AQA A-level History - America 1865-1975 - foreign policy 1890 to 1920

What shift occurred in U.S. foreign policy in the 1890s?

The U.S. shifted toward a more imperialist foreign policy, expanding its navy and seeking overseas markets.

What was the significance of naval expansion in U.S. foreign policy?

expansionist Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and naval theorist Alfred Mahan argued that a strong navy was essential for U.S. dominance, leading to overseas bases in the Caribbean and Pacific.

How did Social Darwinist ideas justify U.S. expansion?

Thinkers like John Fiske promoted the “genius of the Anglo-Saxon race,” supporting the idea that the U.S. had a duty to expand and “civilize” others.

What opposition to imperialism existed in the U.S.?

The American Anti-Imperialist League (1898), led by William Jennings Bryan, opposed expansion, and President Cleveland withdrew a treaty to annex Hawaii.

What caused the Spanish-American War (1898)?

Cuban nationalists revolted against Spain, and the USS Maine explosion in Havana harbor escalated tensions, leading to war. The slogan “Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain” fueled public support.

What territories did the U.S. gain after the Spanish-American War?

Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines were annexed. The U.S. crushed a Filipino revolt (1899), costing $170 million. McKinley framed the war as a “civilizing mission”, though most Filipinos were already Catholic.

What was the significance of the Open Door Policy (1899)?

The U.S. promoted free trade in China to prevent European and Japanese monopolization, reaffirming U.S. economic interests in Asia.

How did the U.S. establish itself as a global power in 1904-05?

The U.S. mediated the Russo-Japanese War, proving its influence as an international power broker.

What was the Roosevelt Corollary (1903)?

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine, asserting the U.S. right to act as an international police power in Latin America.

What was the significance of the Panama Canal (1904-1914)?

The U.S. sponsored Panama’s independence from Colombia to build the canal, enabling swift naval movementbetween the Atlantic and Pacific.

What was the Great White Fleet (1907-1909)?

A fleet of 16 warships sent on a global tour to showcase U.S. naval power and ambition.

What was Taft's "Dollar Diplomacy" (1909)?

Taft used economic influence to control Latin America and China without military intervention, such as buying Honduran debt and financing railroads in China.

How did U.S. foreign policy shift under Wilson (1912)?

Wilson aimed for a more ethical foreign policy but still intervened in Latin America to maintain security, sending troops to Mexico and Nicaragua.

Why did the U.S. remain neutral at the start of WWI?

Initially, Wilson pursued neutrality (1914-17), but economic ties grew as the U.S. loaned $1.8 billion to the Allies.

What events led the U.S. to join WWI in 1917?

The Zimmerman Telegram (Germany urging Mexico to attack the U.S.) and unrestricted submarine warfare forced Wilson’s hand. 3.5 million U.S. soldiers were drafted.

What was the impact of U.S. involvement in WWI?

600,000 fresh U.S. troops tipped the balance in favor of the Allies. 109,000 Americans died, leading to anti-war sentiment post-WWI.

What was Wilson's role in the WWI peace process?

Wilson proposed his 14 Points, emphasizing self-determination and collective security, but the U.S. rejected the League of Nations.