US Imperialism and Foreign Policy Shifts (1898–1935): Key Locations, Strategies, and Outcomes

Where did the US intervene militarily or economically between 1898 and 1935?

Cuba, Puerto Rico, The Philippines, Guam, Hawaii, Panama, Nicaragua, Haiti, The Dominican Republic, Mexico, China.

Which three locations were most important for US imperialists?

Panama, Cuba, and Nicaragua.

Why was Panama important to US imperialists?

Control of the Panama Canal allowed faster movement of military and trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

How did the US maintain control over Cuba?

Through the Platt Amendment, which allowed the US to control Cuban politics and economy without direct colonial rule.

Why was Nicaragua a target for US intervention?

It was strategically located for a possible alternative canal route and was key for financial control and military intervention.

What was Dollar Diplomacy?

A policy aimed at shifting US foreign policy from military intervention to economic influence through investments.

Why did Dollar Diplomacy fail in China?

Other imperial powers had stronger footholds, and American investors struggled to compete.

What was the outcome of US attempts at Dollar Diplomacy in Nicaragua?

It created resentment among the people and led to military intervention, defeating the purpose of avoiding costly interventions.

What was the Good Neighbor Policy?

A policy proposed by FDR to improve relations in the Western Hemisphere by ending direct military intervention.

In what ways did the Good Neighbor Policy succeed?

It removed US troops from Haiti and Nicaragua and ended the Platt Amendment.

What were the shortcomings of the Good Neighbor Policy?

The US maintained control through financial means and supported dictators who protected American business interests.

How did the US approach imperialism compared to European nations?

The US focused on economic power and selective intervention rather than building a massive formal empire.

What does 'empire on the cheap' refer to?

The US gained global influence without managing permanent colonies, using military and financial pressure instead.

What was the goal of US foreign policy through programs like Dollar Diplomacy?

To expand power and control across the globe efficiently and at a lower cost.