Chapter 23 American Foreign Policy Through The Years

Different Forms of Government Governments around the world vary. Some countries have a representative democracy, like the United States. Some countries are run by just a few people. Still others are run by just one person. Some governments control both the government and the economy; others, like ours, try to let the economy play out without much government intervention.

Different Forms of Government Direct Democracy is a form of government in which all the people meet together at one place to make laws and decide what actions to take. Example-Ancient Athens Representative Democracy is a form of government in which the people elect representatives to carry on the work of government for them. This is also known as a republic.

Different Forms of Government Monarchy is a government run by a King or Queen; usually hereditary (passed down from parent to child). (Spain) Absolute monarchy exercises ultimate governing authority as head of state and head of government; his or her powers are not limited by a constitution or by the law (Brunei) Constitutional Monarchy – follows a constitution Oligarchy is a government run by just a few people or a small group (Iran) Autocracy is a government completely controlled by one person who can do anything they want as ruler. (North Korea) – can take on the form of a Dictatorship

Different Forms of Government Socialism is an economic and political system that pushes for society to oversee and run the economy and other parts of daily life. (Venezuela) Communism is a governmental system that calls for the “community” to own and run all business and make all economic decisions. Sometimes this term is used to describe an autocratic government where central planning determines all. (Cuba)

Different forms of Government https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdh9xo47OWM

United States Foreign Policy Isolationism is the policy of avoiding conflict with foreign nations by limiting foreign relations. For the first 170 years or so of the history of the United States, the U.S. government tried to stay out of foreign affairs and focus on domestic affairs (focus on its own problems). Foreign affairs- a nations relationship with other nations Domestic affairs- relations within a country

United States Foreign Policy Neutrality is the idea that government should not be involved in a foreign conflict; to stay out of a war or not to choose sides.

United States Foreign Policy A doctrine in foreign affairs is a policy regarding a government’s plan on dealing with other governments in certain situations. The U.S. implemented the Monroe Doctrine for about 100 years. This stated that the U.S. would treat any European involvement in Latin American matters as an act of aggression and war.

Example of US Foreign Policy To ensure that the Monroe Doctrine was followed, the Roosevelt Corollary was established by Theodore Roosevelt. This statement said that the U.S. would get involved in the matters of any Latin American country if they could not govern themselves. A corollary is a statement that comes forth as a natural or logical result.

Example of US Foreign Policy Dollar diplomacy was the name given to the policy of sending American troops to protect private American financial interests in unstable Latin American countries. (using money to secure relationships) Because using American troops in neighboring countries did not make those countries happy with the U.S., President Franklin Roosevelt decided in 1933 to adopt a “Good Neighbor Policy” which stopped American military involvement in Latin American countries.

Each branch of US Government impacts foreign policy

The Three Branches of Government and Foreign Policy The Executive The President is Commander-in-Chief of the military. The President’s advisor, the Secretary of State, helps manage relations with foreign countries. The President appoints Ambassadors to foreign countries. The President negotiates treaties with other nations. The Legislature The Senate ratifies (or confirms) treaties with other countries by a 2/3 vote. Is the only one that can declare war The Judiciary The Supreme Court has the power to interpret treaties ratified by the Senate.

Timeline of American Foreign Policy TIME PERIOD FOREIGN POLICY APPROACH WAR or PEACE? RESULT 1776-1783 War of Independence WAR US gains Independence from Great Britain 1783-1812 Isolationism (Neutrality) Peace Establishing the Nation 1812-1815 War of 1812 U.S. protects its economic & political rights 1815-1846 Isolationism/ Monroe Doctrine Westward Expansion 1846-1848 Mexican War The U.S. gains more territory to allow westward expansion 1848-1898 Isolationism (Neutrality) / Monroe Doctrine Peace with Neighbors Long period of Monroe Doctrine and Isolationism and distracted by the Civil War, 1861-1865 1898 The Spanish-American War Protected U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere 1898-1915 Trying to stay out of global conflict (The Roosevelt Corollary) 1915-1919 World War I U.S. pulled into WWI through the sinking of a British ship containing US citizens by a German U-Boat – became Global Player 1919-1941 Trying to stay out of global conflict (The Good Neighbor Policy) 1941-1945 World War II U.S. pulled into WWII and became a Global Player 1945-1991 The Cold War (sort of) The U.S. was in an international standoff and power struggle with the Soviet Union. Tried to contain Communism and keep the balance of power. The U.S. joins NATO and the UN.