U.S. Imperialism (Part 2)

Unit 7

Theodore Roosevelt:

• 1901: McKinley assassinated and Roosevelt takes over

• Roosevelt’s foreign policy: “Speak softly and carry a big stick”

The “Roosevelt Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine:

→ 1902-1904: Latin American nations in debt to Europeans

• Roosevelt → the U.S. will intervene (instead of Europe)

• Used by many future presidents

The Panama Canal:

• Roosevelt eager to begin construction on canal, but increasingly frustrated by Colombia

• 1903: U.S. orchestrates revolt for Panama’s independence

Building the Panama Canal:

• Started in 1904 + completed in 1914

• 1999: The U.S. returns “Canal Zone” to the Republic of Panama

William Howard :

• Republican president from 1909-1913

• Mild foreign policy that was more economic than militaristic → Not a big fan of “big stick” policy

Dollar Diplomacy:

• Promoting U.S. trade by supporting American enterprises abroad

• U.S. should make other nations dependent on the U.S. economically

Woodrow Wilson:

• In his 1912 campaign, Wilson… → called for a “New Freedom” in American politics

• Promised to oppose imperialism

Woodrow Wilson - Took steps to correct “wrongful policies” of past presidents

• The Jones Act (1916)

• Puerto Ricans granted U.S. citizenship

Sometimes, Wilson would stray from “moral diplomacy”:

• He went even further than Roosevelt or Taft

Military Intervention:

• Frequently sent marines to straighten out issues in Latin American

• Argued that such intervention was necessary to maintain stability and protect the Panama Canal