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

What was 'Manifest Destiny' and how did it influence U.S. foreign policy?

'Manifest Destiny' was the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America. It justified territorial expansion and played a role in the completion of U.S. consolidation by 1890, particularly in conquering the American West.

What was 'Continentalism' and how did it shape U.S. expansion?

'Continentalism' referred to the idea that U.S. expansion should be limited to North America. By 1890, this goal was largely complete, with U.S. territories stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

What was the Monroe Doctrine (1823) and how did it influence U.S. foreign relations?

The Monroe Doctrine declared that European interference in the Americas would be considered a hostile act against the U.S. It reinforced anti-colonial ideology and influenced U.S. efforts to oppose European involvement in Latin America.

How did the U.S. government respond to French involvement in Mexico (1861-67)?

The U.S. pressured France to withdraw from Mexico by invoking the Monroe Doctrine. Secretary of State William Seward used diplomatic pressure, and the crisis ended when Napoleon III lost interest, leading to the execution of French-backed ruler Maximilian.

How did Hamilton Fish attempt to expand U.S. influence in the Caribbean?

Secretary of State Hamilton Fish (1869-71) attempted to annex the Dominican Republic to strengthen U.S. influence and uphold the Monroe Doctrine, but the treaty failed to pass in Congress.

What role did the U.S. play in Samoa in 1878?

The U.S. secured a refueling station in Samoa in exchange for providing protection from foreign powers, marking an early step in U.S. involvement in the Pacific.

How did the U.S. gain control of Pearl Harbor in 1887?

The U.S. secured exclusive use of Pearl Harbor for naval ships, but the harbor's waters were too shallow for large vessels. Further expansion was delayed for 12 years.

What was 'Seward's Ice Box,' and why was it significant?

Seward's Ice Box' referred to the 1867 U.S. purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. Initially mocked, Alaska later proved valuable due to its natural resources, including gold discovered in the 1890s.

How did U.S. expansion create tensions with Canada?

As the U.S. expanded westward, border disputes arose. Concerns over U.S. annexation grew due to Fenian Raids (1866-71) by Irish-American groups attacking British Canada.

What were the Alabama Claims, and how were they resolved?

The Alabama Claims involved British-built Confederate warships damaging U.S. commerce during the Civil War. The dispute was settled in 1872 when Britain paid the U.S. $15 million, and the U.S. ceased cross-border raids into Canada.

What was the significance of the Alaska boundary dispute (1871)?

By resolving the Alaska boundary dispute, the U.S. secured peaceful northern borders, making the U.S.-Canada border the longest and most stable open border in the world by 1890.