The making of a Superpower USA - Foreign Policy (1865 - 1890)

What is “Manifest Destiny” ?

The attitude that white Americans were destined to expand westward

When was “Manifest Destiny” coined?

In 1845

When did the Westward Expansion begin?

In the 1840s

What nation had conflicting interests with the US over its boarder with Canada?

Britain

When was the Monroe Doctrine created?

1823

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

Avoiding European war unless US interests were at risk

When was Alaska annexed?

1867

How much was Alaska bought for from Russia?

$7.2 million

What is an example of the Monroe Doctrine in practice?

Diplomatic pressure on Austria to stop overthrowing the Mexican monarchy

How many Fenian Raids onto Canada were there between 1866 - 1871?

5

Who were the Fenian Brotherhood?

Irish American nationalists who fought for an independent Irish republic

What is social Darwinism?

The belief that American people were superior to others

What is an example of American isolationism?

Refusing to join Britain, France + Austria in a war against USSR over Poland

What war did the US not join between 1870 - 1871?

Franco-Prussia war

Why was the US isolationist?

Available resources, felt superior to Europe + social Darwinism (e.g. refused to colonise Dominican Republic in 1869 as it was inferior)

What is an example of US early expansionism?

Involvement in 1860s Mexico

Crisis, forced France to remove puppet government by sending 50,000 troops

Why was the US slightly expansionist early on?

To protect its sphere of influence under the Monroe doctrine

When did the US take the (uninhibited) Midway Islands?

1867 - gained supplies to manufacture fertiliser + gunpowder

How many ships in the US navy were operational under Arthur Hepburn?

42 / 140

Why did America change after 1877?

Germany’s Weltpolitik + navy envy

What treaty did the US renew in 1887?

Treaty of Friendship with Hawaii - Pearl Harbour was built

What are examples of US expansionism after 1877?

1881 Pan American conference + 1889 Washington Conference (all American states discuss) limited due to Garfield’s death

When was the Burlingame treaty signed?

1868

What did the Burlingame treaty do?

Promoted trade with china (workers for rail)

What did the Historian Mahan argue?

In his 1890 book, he said nations with powerful navies were the most successful

When was Pearl Harbour built?

1887

What did the Historian Evans argue?

America never sought an empire, they just traded with Britain (Accidental empire)

What is an example of preclusive imperialism?

Samoa, interest began in 1872, possible naval base in Tutuila

What did the confederates use the compensation from Britain for?

To build new ships

How much compensation did US receive from Britain?

$15.5 million