IB History of the Americas Paper III Text 2

US Foreign Policy: 1900 to 1916

Conceptual Understanding

Key Questions:

• To what extent was the foreign policy of the USA from 1900 to 1916 similar to its foreign policy in the years 1880-1900?

• To what extent was US foreign policy driven by economic considerations in these years?

Key Concepts

• Continuity: Refers to the aspects of US foreign policy that remained consistent throughout the periods, such as a commitment to protecting American interests abroad.

• Change: Highlights the shifts in policies and strategies as new geopolitical challenges arose, transitioning from isolationism to a more assertive global presence.

• Consequence: Examines the outcomes and impacts of specific policies enacted during this period, including the establishment of American influence in both the Caribbean and Asia.

• Perspective: Evaluates the viewpoints and motivations behind policy decisions, including economic, strategic, and ideological factors.

The Colonial Approach to the Philippines vs. China

The USA established a colonial administration in the Philippines following the Spanish-American War (1898), asserting control over the archipelago to counter potential Japanese expansion and to cultivate a new market for American goods. In contrast, the USA explicitly rejected a similar colonial strategy for China, advocating instead for policies that would secure economic interests without direct territorial control. By the end of the 19th century, European powers were rapidly expanding their influence in China, prompting the USA to respond in order to protect its burgeoning economic interests and prevent the partition of China.

The Open Door Policy

• John Hay: As US Secretary of State, he introduced the Open Door Policy in 1899 to safeguard American trading interests in China while avoiding military confrontation.

• Policy Provisions: The policy aimed to ensure no discrimination against foreign powers in Chinese spheres of influence, maintaining the existing tariff structure to allow equitable trade access.

• Limitations: Despite its intentions, the policy lacked military backing and enforcement mechanisms, making compliance voluntary for European powers, which often ignored its provisions.

The Boxer Rebellion

• In 1900, a nationalist group known as the Boxers rose in revolt against foreign influence and intervention, culminating in the siege of the foreign diplomatic corps in Beijing.

• The USA, alongside other foreign powers, sent troops to relieve the siege. This intervention not only asserted American influence in China but also led to reaffirmation of the Open Door Policy, illustrating a blend of military action and diplomatic strategy.

The Big Stick Diplomacy

• Under Theodore Roosevelt's Presidency (1901-1909), the US transitioned towards Big Stick diplomacy, emphasizing the necessity of a strong military to ensure diplomatic success.

• Philosophy: Roosevelt's adage, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” advocated for a diplomatic approach backed by the potential for military force.

• Military Expansion: Between 1898 and 1913, the US Navy expanded significantly, culminating in the Great White Fleet's world tour to showcase American naval power and assert the USA's position as a dominant maritime power.

The Panama Canal

• The canal project, first proposed in the mid-19th century, became a focal point for US foreign policy as a means to facilitate maritime trade.

• After negotiations with Colombia for canal rights stalled, the USA supported a Panamanian revolt, leveraging military presence to aid in Panama's separation from Colombia.

• Significance: The successful construction of the canal symbolized not only American engineering prowess but also reflected imperialist tendencies, allowing the USA control over a critical international waterway, which significantly reduced maritime travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

• The Roosevelt Corollary emerged from the concerns over European intervention in Latin America, particularly during the Venezuelan debt crisis. It asserted a right for the USA to intervene in Latin American affairs to maintain stability and protect American interests.

• Application: The USA applied this doctrine in cases like Santo Domingo, where it managed the Dominican Republic’s finances to avert European involvement, setting a precedent for future interventions in the region.

Dollar Diplomacy (William Howard Taft)

• Taft’s approach aimed to utilize America’s economic power to influence other nations, focusing on financial investments and loans rather than military intervention.

• Despite its intentions, Dollar Diplomacy faced backlash in various Latin American countries, leading to US-backed revolutions to ensure friendly regimes and protect US interests.

Moral Diplomacy (Woodrow Wilson)

• Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy sought to promote human rights and democracy, aiming to channel American ideals into foreign policy rather than imperialistic practices. It represented a shift towards ethical considerations in diplomacy, distinct from previous policies.

• Challenges: However, the complexity of geopolitical realities often conflicted with Wilson’s ideals, resulting in military interventions in conflicts like those in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, complicating the application of moral diplomacy.

Conclusions

• The US foreign policy from 1900 to 1916 featured a complex interplay of aggressive military diplomacy, economic coercion, and idealistic principles. This period laid the groundwork for the USA’s evolving role in global affairs, establishing its position as a powerful global player while grappling with the competing demands of practicality and moral purpose.