U.S. Foreign Relations -- Overview

American Diplomatic Traditions Washington’s farewell address, 1797 Only short-term alliances; no permanent allies No such thing as permanent friends (or enemies) Don’t act from habitual fondness or habitual hatred (Also, don’t allow political parties to form….) Treaty of Tripoli, c. 1800 U.S. gov’t is secular, with no official religious stance U.S. not inherently anti-Muslim or pro-Christian “Peaceable coercion,” early 1800’s Try economic leverage (embargo) first

American Diplomatic Traditions Neutrality in European conflicts, early 1800’s Stay officially neutral in European wars Neutral = trade with all sides John Quincy Adams’ “monsters” speech, 1821 U.S. should not go on idealistic crusades Lead by example, wish others well Monroe Doctrine, 1823 Americas off-limits to future European colonization New World and Old World w/ totally different interests “Manifest Destiny,” 1840’s American exceptionalism, expansion as progress Continental expansion is the exception to the “non- intervention in other countries” rule

“Doctrine” in foreign policy: an important, traditional rule, usually in the form of a simple public statement, often about an approach to a region of the world or general foreign policy issue. Monroe – Latin America Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe – Caribbean Truman – international communism Eisenhower – Middle East Carter – Persian Gulf Weinberger/Powell – limited military interventions Bush – pre-emptive war

Monroe Doctrine U.S. President James Monroe speech, 1823 U.S. opposes new European colonies in the Western Hemisphere Passive statement of overall position Always recognize de facto government (Whether or not you approve of the gov’t) “Old World” different from “New World” Response to Latin American wars of independence, 1810’s-20’s Will Europe try to reclaim Spain’s colonies? “Sister Republics”

Monroe Doctrine Venezuela boundary dispute, 1895-6 Since 1820’s, unclear border between British Guiana (British colony) Venezuela (independent country) Very minor border issue until 1880’s, when… …the largest gold nugget ever (509 oz) was found in the area Venezuela asked for U.S. help in opposing “British aggression” Resolved by U.S. and Britain Venezuelans never consulted Venez. diplomats had to get details from newspapers

Sec. of State Richard Olney’s note to Britain on the Venez Sec. of State Richard Olney’s note to Britain on the Venez. boundary dispute, 1895: “Today the United States is practically sovereign on this continent, and its fiat is law upon the subjects to which it confines its interposition….Not simply by reason of its high character as a civilized state, nor because wisdom and justice and equity are the invariable characteristics of the dealings of the United States….[In addition,] its infinite resources combined with its isolated position render it master of the situation and practically invulnerable as against any and all other powers.”

Monroe Doctrine Roosevelt Corollary, 1904 Active, aggressive interpretation Caribbean and Central America are U.S.’ natural sphere of influence U.S. w/ right and duty of regional “police power” Intervene in other countries to protect their independence Applications: U.S. takes over gov’ts of Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti