War Unit: Early American Foreign Policy

Q: What were Washington's foreign policy recommendations?

A: Avoid permanent alliances with foreign nations and stay out of European conflicts.

Q: Why is the Bixby Letter so famous?

A: It was written by Abraham Lincoln to a grieving mother, expressing national gratitude for her sons' sacrifices in the Civil War.

Q: What core American value does the Bixby Letter establish?

A: Honor, sacrifice, and national unity.

Q: Why did the war of 1812 start?

A: British interference with U.S. trade, impressment of American sailors, and Native American conflicts fueled by British support.

Q: Which countries were involved in the war of 1812?

A: The United States and Great Britain.

Q: What important truth does the war of 1812 reveal about why the U.S. will go to war?

A: The U.S. will fight to defend trade rights, sovereignty, and national honor.

Q: Who won the war of 1812?

A: No clear winner; it ended in a stalemate, but the U.S. saw it as a victory.

Q: How does the war of 1812 change the U.S.?

A: Strengthened nationalism, economic independence, and led to the "Era of Good Feelings."

Q: What iconic moment happened during the war of 1812?

A: The writing of The Star-Spangled Banner

Q: What did the Monroe Doctrine say?

A: Warned European nations against colonizing or interfering in the Americas.

Q: Why would the U.S. issue the Monroe doctrine?

A: To protect its influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Q: How did Westward Expansion impact the U.S.?

A: Led to territorial growth, economic opportunities, and conflicts with Native Americans and other nations.

Q: The U.S. says it wants to avoid war, but is this true? What wars are fought during Westward Expansion?

A: The Mexican-American War and conflicts with Native American tribes.

Q: How did the Civil War impact the U.S.'s ability to grow into a world power?

A: Strengthened the federal government, abolished slavery, and led to industrialization.

Q: Why did people think the purchase of Alaska was foolish?

A: They saw it as a remote, barren land with little value.

Q: At the end of the day, was the purchase of Alaska foolish?

A: No, Alaska proved valuable due to its natural resources like gold and oil.

Q: How did the purchase of Alaska impact the U.S.?

A: Expanded U.S. territory and increased economic and military advantages in the Pacific.

Q: Why did the U.S. annex Hawaii?

A: To secure economic interests (sugar plantations) and establish a key military base.

Q: How did the annexation of Hawaii impact the U.S.?

A: Gave the U.S. a key naval base at Pearl Harbor and expanded its Pacific influence.

Q: What new foreign policy ideas does Mahan introduce to the U.S.?

A: The need for a strong navy, overseas bases, and control of sea lanes.

Q: Why does Mahan make these recommendations?

A: To ensure U.S. global power and economic security through naval dominance.

Q: Why did the U.S. get involved in the conflict between Cuba and Spain?

A: To protect economic interests, support Cuban independence, and respond to the explosion of the USS Maine.

Q: What did the U.S. gain as a result of winning the Spanish American War?

A: Control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Q: What does the Spanish American war turn the U.S. into?

A: A global imperial power.

Q: Why did the U.S. get involved in Panama?

A: To build the Panama Canal for economic and military benefits.

Q: How did U.S. involvement in Panama impact the U.S.?

A: Strengthened U.S. global trade and military movement capabilities.

Q: What did the Roosevelt Corollary say?

A: The U.S. had the right to intervene in Latin America to maintain stability.

Q: What was Teddy Roosevelt's famous saying?

A: "Speak softly and carry a big stick."

Q: How did Teddy Roosevelt change the U.S. standing as a global power?

A: Established the U.S. as the dominant force in the Western Hemisphere.

Q: What was Dollar Diplomacy?

A: Using economic influence rather than military force to achieve foreign policy goals.

Q: How did dollar diplomacy impact the U.S. as a global power?

A: Expanded U.S. influence in Latin America and Asia through economic investment.

Q: How did WWI impact the U.S. standing globally?

A: Made the U.S. a leading economic and military power.

Q: What did WWI do to the U.S. economy?

A: Boosted industrial production and economic growth.

Q: What was U.S. foreign policy after WWI (in the 1920s and early 1930s)?

A: Isolationism—avoiding foreign conflicts and focusing on domestic issues.