China & Panama Canal

Imperialism: policy by which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker nations Manifest Destiny Increase the nation’s financial prosperity Strengthen the military force Spread democracy Spread western culture

In the 1890s, Japan demonstrated its strength in a successful war against China After the war, Japan as well as the major European powers expanded their spheres of influence United States wanted to trade with China

France, Germany, Britain, Japan, and Russia all staked claims in China In 1899, Secretary of State John Hay asked these nations to follow an Open Door Policy Eventually, they agreed

What was the Open Door Policy? Policy that stated that no single country should have a monopoly on trade with China. Why would the U.S. want to have such a policy? China was quickly becoming a major power in Europe, by extending its sphere of influence. Many countries, in addition to the U.S., wanted to have access to resources from China.

Chinese group called the “Boxers” were angered by the privileges given to foreigners and the disrespect they showed toward Chinese traditions In 1900, a violent uprising occurred, called the Boxer Rebellion Rebellion was put down by an international force from eight nations

The Boxer Rebellion was eventually put down by eight nations, including the United States. It is estimated that approximately 230 foreigners and thousands of Chinese were killed during the rebellion.

The Open Door Policy allowed the U.S. to have open trade with China. Trade takes place predominately on the east coastline of China since ships can easily enter the harbor, trade goods, and sail back home. U.S. Senator Albert Beveridge claimed “… The power that rules the Pacific, is the power that rules the world.”

U.S. Involvement in Latin America Businesses began to buy food and raw materials from Latin America Bananas, coffee, and copper Companies bought large amounts of land for farming and mining

Panama Canal Would mean that U.S. ships would not have to travel around the coast of South America Reduce travel time The Spanish-American War made clear the need for such a shortcut

The U.S. initially struggled to construct the Panama Canal. Why? U.S. didn’t own the land in Colombia. Roosevelt sent the U.S. Navy to support a revolution in the Isthmus of Panama (ideal location for the canal) Out of the revolution, the new nation of Panama was created in 1903 Some Americans and Latin Americans did not agree with Roosevelt’s actions. Why would people disagree with Roosevelt’s actions? Believed he had interfered in Colombia’s affairs and cheated Colombia out of land. Eventually, the U.S. would pay Colombia $25 million for the loss of Panama.

Construction of the Panama Canal was risky and dangerous. More than 44,000 workers were used to construct the canal. More than 5,500 canal workers died from diseases or accidents The most common disease workers faced, was malaria – an infectious disease marked by cycles of chills and fever. Roosevelt made many visits to the Canal Zone during the construction to encourage workers to continue construction despite the challenges and dangers.

Here the USS Missouri transitions through the Canal using the locks. Locks were needed in several parts of the Canal to allow ships to safely pass through the Canal. While the Canal starts and ends at sea level, it rises to 85 feet above sea level at it highest point.

The Panama Canal officially opened in 1914 and cost between $350-$380 million to build. The successful construction of the Canal was an evident sign to Latin America, and the rest of the world, that the U.S. would be the dominant power in the west. Roosevelt used the Monroe Doctrine and the Roosevelt Corollary to help the U.S. police the Western hemisphere. What is the Monroe Doctrine? What is the Roosevelt Corollary? Monroe Doctrine: policy that barred European nations from interfering in Latin America Roosevelt Corollary: authorized the U.S. to act as a “policemen” in the Latin American region.

Policing the Hemisphere Teddy Roosevelt’s foreign policy: “Speak softly and carry a big stick” Monroe Doctrine barred European nations from intervening in Latin America Roosevelt Corollary authorized the US to act as “police” in the region