The Big Stick

Predictions

• Title suggests themes of American imperalism and interventionist foreign policy during the early 20th century.

Roosevelt and Civilization

• Philosophy of Intervention:

  • Question on the right of "civilized" countries to intervene in "uncivilized" countries.

  • Roosevelt believes intervention is not only a right but an obligation for maintaining order and stability.

• US Navy Dominance:

  • By 1906, the US Navy became the largest in the world.

Roosevelt and Big Stick Diplomacy

• Diplomatic Strategy:

  • Advocated for "Big Stick" diplomacy, implying that diplomacy should be backed by the threat of military action.

  • The US Navy served as a deterrent to adversaries.

• Russo-Japanese War:

  • Roosevelt negotiated peace between Russia and Japan in 1906, earning a Nobel Peace Prize; enhanced American influence in East Asia.

• Great White Fleet:

  • From 1907 to 1909, US Navy embarked on a world tour to showcase its naval power.

• Roosevelt Corollary:

  • 1904, expanded the Monroe Doctrine, allowing US intervention in Latin America to prevent European nations from exercises influence.

  • Controlled customs collection in the Dominican Republic to manage debt.

Panama Canal

• Historical Background:

  • Panama gained independence from Spain in 1821 and was part of Colombia.

  • The strategic importance of a canal there was highlighted since Jefferson's time.

• Construction Attempts:

  • French efforts to construct the canal began in 1855 but failed due to geographic and health challenges.

  • The US took over and completed construction, opening the canal in 1914.

Taft and Dollar Diplomacy

• Economic Focus:

  • Taft prioritized expanding the US economic sphere over Roosevelt's civilizing mission.

• Nicaragua Example:

  • Taft intervened militarily to support a new government after insurgents overthrew the previous regime.

  • Emphasized American business interests in the region.

Wilson and Moral Diplomacy

• Philosophy of Support:

  • Wilson's moral approach involved supporting countries with shared democratic values.

• Dominican Republic and Nicaragua:

  • Military governance established in the Dominican Republic following previous interventions.

  • Treaty signed in Nicaragua for US intervention to preserve stability and prevent foreign influence.

Intervention in Mexico

• Background:

  • In 1910, Madero overthrew dictator Diaz but faced hostility from US business interests.

  • After Madero's assassination, Wilson refused to recognize Huerta’s regime.

• Tampico Affair:

  • American sailors were briefly detained by Huerta's forces leading to US occupation of Veracruz.

• Aftermath:

  • American support shifted to Carranza, who failed to establish a stable government.

  • The result was increased anti-American sentiment due to ongoing US interventions.

Causes of World War I (WWI)

MANIA Framework

• Militarism:

  • Nations built up their military capabilities, fearing conflict, leading to an arms race.

• Alliances:

  • Formation of alliances like the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire) and Triple Entente (France, Russia, Great Britain).

• Nationalism:

  • Desire for ethnic groups to govern themselves fueled desiring independence and statehood.

• Imperialism:

  • Competition for empires created tensions and rivalries.

• Assassination:

  • The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by a Serbian nationalist triggered declarations of war.

The Dominos Fall

• July 28, 1914:

  • Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia after blaming them for the assassination.

• Chain Reactions:

  • Germany supports Austria; Russia mobilizes to aid Serbia; alliances activate, leading to widespread conflict.

New Weapons of WWI

• Introduction of machine guns, poison gas, and other advances in military technology significantly affected combat.

American Involvement in WWI

• Neutrality Shifts:

  • Wilson maintained neutrality until factors like the Lusitania sinking and the Zimmerman Note pushed for US entry.

• Troop Contribution:

  • By April 6, 1917, over 2 million troops were sent to France, impacting the war's dynamics.

Post-War Effects and Challenges

• Economic Adjustments:

  • Strikes and demands for higher wages as prices rose post-war; government efforts to manage labor.

• Racial Tensions:

  • Returning soldiers faced job scarcity, leading to racial conflicts, particularly in 1919.

Wilson's Peace Plan

• 14 Points:

  • Addresses causes of war and proposes a framework for lasting peace, including the creation of the League of Nations.

• Treaty of Versailles:

  • Germany's extensive reparations and territorial losses laid groundwork for future tensions.