Discussion of U.S. Foreign Policy Context: September 1901 Fighting in the Spanish-American War has ended Treaty of Paris was ratified in Feb. 1899

John Hay Signs Treaty of Paris

Vote on the Treaty Yes… No… Spain will Give up all rights to Cuba (see Teller Amendment and Platt Amendment) Surrender Puerto Rico and gave up its possessions in the West Indies Surrender the island of Guam to the United States Surrender the Philippines to the United States for a payment of twenty million dollars. Spain will give up former territories U.S. will not have contractual obligation in those areas Other countries may influence places like the West Indies U.S. military will not be involved in other places without provocation U.S sends international message that she wishes to remain isolated

Attendance at the Seminar Senators, some of whom were members of the delegation in Paris U.S. business owners and investors particularly in sugar (Cuba) and copper and fruit (Philippines) Labor Leaders like Samuel Gompers Anti-expansionist Business Leaders like Andrew Carnegie

Objective of Hearing To hear all opinions U.S Expansion Consider opinions in deciding U.S. foreign policy in the new century.

Questions for Discussion Are annexation and intervention in foreign countries contrary to Constitutional principles? What role should the U.S. play in ensuring success of newly independent countries? If American companies operate overseas, should the American government be obligated to consider their interests even though the company is not on American soil? Should military strength and prowess be a priority for America?

Homework: Reflect on the seminar by responding in a detailed paragraph to the following: A precedent is any act, decision, or case that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent (later) situations. What issues and concepts from the discussion likely provided precedent for future choices in foreign policy? Justify two of them.