America as a World Power Ch 10.4

Teddy Roosevelt and the World Two events in Roosevelt’s presidency signaled America’s continued climb toward being the #1 world power. Firstly, Roosevelt’s involvement as Peace-Maker in the Russo-Japanese war. Secondly, the construction of the Panama Canal. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually

Roosevelt the Peacemaker In 1904,Japan and Russia are involved in a war for dominance in Asia, particularly Korea. Japan’s military is far more advanced than Russia, but lacks the resources needed to continue fighting.

Japan secretly asks Pres. Roosevelt to mediate a peace negotiation. Japan gets: half of Sakhalin Islands, as well as rights to Manchuria and Korea. Russia: Doesn’t have to pay Japan for losing the war.

Effects of the war The Japanese-Russo war serves as Japan’s entrance onto the world stage. For Russia, it only fuels growing tensions amongst the people, especially with Tsar Nicholas II. For the US, the war only solidifies America as a dominant world power.

THE PANAMA CANAL By the early 20th century, many Americans understood the advantages of a canal through Panama It would greatly reduce travel times for commercial and military ships by providing a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans “The shortcut”

BUILDING THE PANAMA CANAL 1904-1914 The French had already unsuccessfully attempted to build a canal through Panama America first had to help Panama win their independence from Colombia – which it did Construction of the Canal stands as one of the greatest engineering feats of all-time Cost- $380 million Workers– Over 40,000 (5,600 died) Time – Construction took 10 years

This view, provided by NASA, shows the thin blue line (canal) cutting across the middle of Panama

Almost 1,000,000 ships have passed through the canal, which became sole property of Panama in the year 2000

The Roosevelt Corollary This intervention would disrupt US interests in Latin America. Roosevelt reminded Europe of the Monroe Doctrine, which stated that European powers stay out of Latin American affairs. He also added in his own Roosevelt Corollary. Latin America had borrowed huge sums of money from Europe to build railroads and develop industries. Roosevelt feared that if Latin countries defaulted on their debts, Europe might intervene militarily to collect their money.

Speak Softly and carry a big Stick “…and in the Western Hemisphere the adherence of the United States to the Monroe Doctrine may force the United States, in flagrant cases of such wrongdoing or impotence, to the exercise of an international police power.”

Dollar Diplomacy The US exercises its police power by issuing loans to failing Latin American governments, in exchange for greater influence (politically/militarily) in their country. I.E. Nicaragua

Mexico Mexico had a dictator for many years: Porfirio Diaz Friendly to US, but not to his own people 1911 The poor in Mexico, led by Francisco Madero, revolted and won, but only lasted a couple of years. 1913 Victoriano Huerta replaces Madero as president. President Wilson does not agree with Huerta being in power. Refuses to acknowledge him as a leader.

US intervenes in Mexico Wilson waited for a moment he could challenge Huerta. Tampico: 1914 US sailors arrested, but let go quickly. Wilson sends Marines to Mexico This pushes both countries to the brink of war. ABC powers stopped war, got rid of Huerto. Replaced by Venustiano Carranza. President Wilson approves of new leader, but the Mexican people dislike him greatly.

Rebellion in Mexico Pancho Villa and Zapata do not agree with Carranza and want him out of power. Villa had been a friend of US before Villa attacked US miners on way to Mexico, and invaded New Mexico killing US citizens. Wilson had to send US army under Commander Pershing to chase Villa. Carranza disagreed with US troops in his country. War with Mexico becomes likely, however,WW1 breaks out, which changes the situation.