IB history HL: United States expansionist foreign policy

Reconstruction

era in American history where the US underwent social and political reform in attempt to recover from the Civil War as well as integrate freedmen into society. Major figures consisted of Abraham Lincoln who proposed the 10% plan, Andrew Johnson, and Hayes. The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendment were passed but ultimately fell short due to the rise of terrorist groups, and debt cycles.

Manifest Destiny

term coined by John L. Sullivan in the Great Nation of Futurity, and it was the belief that it was the God given right of Americans to settle their continent and spread their ideas abroad.

Significance: it highlighted American exceptionalism, and superiority and was used as justification for Americans spreading through the continent. Examples of Manifest destiny include the annexation of Texas, California, Alaska, and Oregon.

Preclusive Imperialism

term coined by William Langer, process by which countries took colonies to prevent other nations from doing so first.

significance: it allowed the US to expand further in their hemisphere, reinforcing the Monroe doctrine to prevent other countries from colonizing in the western hemisphere. In this, they protect their own interests. An example of this the colonization of the Philippines to prevent Germany or Japan from gaining influence in the region.

Trusts

large business entities dominate an entire industry which eliminates competition and creates monopolies.

significance; allowed individuals to dominate an entire industry, it increased prices which decreased consumption from consumers. It was very influential on the economy, contributing to rapid industrial growth

social darwinism

idea named after Charles Darwin who proposed the theory of evolution and emphasized natural selection. Stressed survival of the fittest and applied this idea to expansion by saying the anglo saxon race is superior to all others. This justified expansion for Americans as they believed in their superiority.

Significance; justified imperial expansion by suggesting domination of weak races by stronger ones was inevitable. Americans were justified in spreading ideas abroad because they were the better race, and it was their duty to spread their political ideas and culture. This is seen through the annexation of Hawaii.

Turner Thesis

argument made by FJ Turner in 1893 stating that the frontier was now closed and everywhere in the US was completely settled. He suggested that American identity was shaped by the frontier and was crucial to America’s character.

significance; justified imperial expansion and encouraging Americans to push frontiers beyond continental US (overseas imperialism). This arose nationalism in Americans, making them proud of their success.

Monroe Doctrine

foreign policy statement made by James Monroe advising against intervention from European powers in the Western Hemisphere. This was delivered in 1823 in front of Congress.

Significance: established US as a dominant power in the western hemisphere and could expand their power there without foreign colonization of other countries or America. It was used to enact their belief of Manifest Destiny. It also asserted America as a separate, growing global power through isolationism. Example would be that of Venezuela and Britain and the US threatening to send their navy to the disputed area, and then Britain backed down.

Imperialism

the practice of extending a nations power through colonization, military force or other means

Significance: caused by the end of westward expansion, industrial development and desire for naval expansion. It allowed for the US to expand their power abroad by taking over territories, exploiting natural resources and spread cultural and political beliefs. Examples include annexation of Hawaii, and Samoa

Isolationism

the practice of a country not involving itself in foreign affairs or alliances. They focus solely on domestic issues and national interests.

Significance: isolationism was crucial to the growing US in order for them to establish themselves as a global power. Their isolationism was established through the Monroe Doctrine but before suggested in Washington’s farewell address. this was important in focusing on America’s own development and was an early part of American ideas.

Spanish American war

The Spanish-American War (1898) was a conflict between the United States and Spain, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence. It resulted in the U.S. defeating Spain and acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Significance to the U.S.:

• Marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global power.

• Expanded American influence in the Caribbean and Pacific.

• Set the stage for future U.S. interventions in Latin America and Asia.

annexation

incorporating a territory into an existing nation

significance: impact on political, economic, and social landscapes of both countries involved. In Hawaii, it allowed for strategic military and economic presence in the Pacific.

reasons why US engaged in expansionist foreign policy

• end of westward expansion

• industrial growth and search for foreign markets

• naval expansion

• manifest destiny and social darwinism

• preclusive imperialism