America as a World Power

Consequences of the action American Imperialist Diplomacy: Teddy Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Diplomacy American action taken Consequences of the action US sends Navy under Mathew Commodore Perry to negotiate treaty (Why? Japan closed itself to outsiders)  Japanese were awed by American technology; realized they could not compete militarily with the US Signed the trade agreement and opened its ports to US merchants Russia & Japan at war over control of Korea & Manchuria. T. Roosevelts overseas peace negotiations. Treaty of Portsmouth signed. The Russo-Japanese War ended; the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to TR; American prestige increased

Consequences of the action American action taken Consequences of the action China weak after losing war with Japan in 1894 & being bullied into “leasing” Manchuria to Russia in 1898. China was divided into economic sphere of Influence by RU, GE, FR, JP, and GB. US was in danger of losing China as a market for US products  1899: US Secretary of State John Hay sent his “open door note”: notification to other world powers that the US supported open trade in China Boxer Rebellion: Chinese nationalists, unhappy with foreigners’ influence on China, rose up in revolt; hundreds of foreigners were killed; US & international force crushed the rebellion

Consequences of the action American action taken Consequences of the action Hay-Pauncefote Treaty (1901)- US & GB agreed that US would have sole claim to build a canal; US offered Colombia $10 million to buy the rights to build a canal across Panama, but Colombia refused  Roosevelt responded by supporting a rebellion by Panama against Colombia Once Panama was independent, US obtained rights to build a canal, to control the canal zone, and to intervene in Panama; U.S.-Latin American relations severely damaged Panama Canal is built. US bought out French & resumed work in 1904 (with new measures to control mosquito-borne diseases) and completed the canal in 1914 Travel time between Atlantic & Pacific reduced; the power and prestige of U.S. enhanced; U.S.-Latin American relations severely damaged

Consequences of the action American action taken Consequences of the action Roosevelt adopted the African proverb “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far” as his motto for foreign policy  Under Roosevelt, the US would pursue peaceful negotiation, but would not hesitate to threaten use of its military strength to protect its interests Great white Fleet demonstrates this (Fleet of 16 US battleships sent out on a world tour to demonstrate America’s military might was a major piece of Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” threat)

Teddy Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Diplomacy

Consequences of the action American action taken Consequences of the action Roosevelt Corollary is adopted.  Expanded the Monroe Doctrine by declaring that the US would intervene in Latin American affairs when necessary to maintain economic and political stability in the region Roosevelt wanted to prevent European interventions in Latin America over unpaid debts U.S. could act as a “police power” in Western Hemisphere;

Taft’s “Dollar” Diplomacy America Action Consequences of the action Dollar Diplomacy  Taft chose to “buy” friendship with Latin American states by guaranteeing low-interest loans, paying off existing loans from European powers to Latin America Taft’s policy kept Latin states from borrowing money from European powers Example: In 1911, US loans Nicaragua Money to pay of its debts. In return US bankers had right to collect their custom duties. US bankers gain control over their railroads and banks. Result: Nicaragua citizens revolt – US put it down.

Consequences of the action American Imperialist Diplomacy: Woodrow Wilson’s “Missionary” Diplomacy American action taken Consequences of the action Wilson would support only Latin American states that were democratic and provided human rights protections or otherwise supported the interests of the US  U.S. had a moral right to refuse to recognize undemocratic governments; Wilson hoped to influence and control other countries through economic pressure; nations which did not abide by the US wishes would not receive financial support from the US

Consequences of the action American Imperialist Diplomacy: Woodrow Wilson’s “Missionary” Diplomacy American action taken Consequences of the action Mexican Revolution spilled across the border into the US This, coupled with cross-border raids for supplies. US refuses to Recognize MX government.  US invaded MX in 1914 when Victoriana Huerta officers arrested a small group of sailors. US intervene in MX and ordered occupation of Veracruz-- 18 American sailors US does not withdraw troops until Huerta government collapses in 1915. Wilson recognizes the Carranza government. U.S. comes into conflict with Pancho Villa (Mexican freedom-fighter who opposed U.S. influence) 1916- Carranza invited American engineers to operate mines in MX. Villa took men off train and killed 17 of them.

Consequences of the action American Imperialist Diplomacy: Woodrow Wilson’s “Missionary” Diplomacy American action taken Consequences of the action Wilson refuses Carranza’s demand to withdraw U.S. troops sent to Mexico to capture Villa.  Wilson sent General John “Black Jack” Pershing and expeditionary force of 15,000 troops to arrest Villa; He also stationed 150,000 troops around the border; He had little success in finding him; Anti-American feeling in Mexico intensified; U.S. troops removed in 1917 as U.S. entry into WWI became apparent