American Foreign Policy (1898-1914)

American Foreign Policy (1898-1914)

In this study guide, we will explore American foreign policy between the Spanish American War and World War I, with a focus on the differing approaches of three progressive presidents: Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.

Imperialism in China

  • The Open Door Policy

    • Motivated by European imperialists who had divided China into spheres of influence, leaving no opportunity for the United States.

    • Allows any nation to enter and establish economic presence in China, essentially equalizing exploitation among Western nations.

    • This policy is initiated unilaterally by the U.S. and was broadly accepted by other countries, signifying the U.S.'s role as an equal opportunity exploiter.

  • The Boxer Rebellion

    • This event is included in curricular guidelines, despite being less commonly questioned in history assessments.

    • The Boxer Rebellion is recognized as an Anti-Imperialist Rebellion opposing foreign domination in China.

The Platt Amendment

  • The Platt Amendment outlines conditions regarding Cuba's independence:

    • Cuba is declared independent, but the U.S. reserves the right to intervene in cases of civil unrest.

    • It includes a perpetual naval lease at Guantanamo Bay, allowing the U.S. military presence.

Progressive Presidents and Their Foreign Policies

Teddy Roosevelt (Big Stick Diplomacy)

  • Roosevelt's philosophy can be summed up by the African proverb: "Speak softly and carry a big stick".

    • This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong military presence to project American power.

    • His policies are aimed at keeping European powers from intervening in Latin America, an extension of the Monroe Doctrine through the Roosevelt Corollary:

    • The Monroe Doctrine originally sought to keep European influences out of Latin America.

    • Roosevelt's Corollary states that the U.S. will act as a police force in the Western Hemisphere, intervening in Latin America as necessary.

    • Major initiatives include:

    • The Great White Fleet, an expression of American naval power around the world.

    • Securing the construction of the Panama Canal:

      • This was a strategic move, facilitating quicker maritime passage and trade without circumvention around South America.

      • The U.S. supported a rebellion to gain control of the Panama territory for canal construction, completed in 1914.

William Howard Taft (Dollar Diplomacy)

  • Nicknamed Big Bill, his diplomatic approach is remembered as Dollar Diplomacy.

    • The focus is on protecting and enhancing American business interests abroad, particularly in Latin America.

    • By using financial power rather than military might, his policy aims to create stability and promote American economic influence in foreign affairs.

Woodrow Wilson (Moral or Missionary Diplomacy)

  • Known for his Moral Diplomacy, which is also referred to as Missionary Diplomacy.

    • Emphasizes support for democratic governments and opposition against oppressive or undemocratic regimes in Latin America.

    • Wilson's approach seeks to project American values of democracy and moral responsibility abroad, distinguishing it from the power-centric rhetoric of Roosevelt and the business-driven initiatives of Taft.

Summary of Presidential Foreign Policies

  • Teddy Roosevelt:

    • Focused on projecting American power (Big Stick Diplomacy).

  • William Howard Taft:

    • Emphasized American business interests (Dollar Diplomacy).

  • Woodrow Wilson:

    • Advocated for the promotion of democracy and moral obligations (Moral Missionary Diplomacy).

Conclusion

  • The study of American foreign policy from 1898 to 1914 reflects a significant transformation in U.S. engagement with the world, from imperialist tendencies to focused economic interests and moral-driven governance, setting the stage for later global involvement during World War I.