 Since the beginning the U.S. practiced isolationism as our foreign policy.  Isolationism means not taking part in international alliances, or other world affairs.  George Washington, our first president established this policy.

 However, in the late 1800s as the European nations took over vast areas in Africa and Asia, American leaders looked to extend American influence abroad.  The rest of the world’s powers were expanding and becoming more powerful – U.S. felt it had to keep up.  The act of expansion was called imperialism – stronger nations create empires by dominating weaker nations.

 Imperialism controls the weaker nations economically, politically, culturally, and militarily.  Imperialism answered the need motivated by trade, adventure, power, profit, and raw materials to fuel their markets.  By 1890, the U.S. was practicing imperialism also, and helped extend the idea of manifest destiny beyond our borders.

 Why did imperialism grow?  Economic factors – countries needed access to more natural resources for industry boom.  Nationalistic factors – our country is the best – the one upper syndrome.  Military factors – our country is stronger then you so we will take what we want.  Humanitarian factors – countries felt it was their duty to spread western ideals of law, medicine and religion.

 Some European countries had tremendous success through imperialism  Great Britain expanded across the globe – “The sun never sets on the British Empire”.

 To begin imperialism, the U.S. established The Monroe Doctrine in  This made the Western Hemisphere “off limits” to European nations.  Attempts by European nations to oppress or control countries in Western Hemisphere will be viewed as hostile aggression.  This allows the U.S. to have free access to Western Hemisphere.

 The Monroe Doctrine was tested a couple times.  First, Great Britain and Venezuela were in a dispute over territory – arguing threatened hostilities.  U.S. told Great Britain to send dispute to arbitration and do not use military force.  Britain – most powerful country in the world – backed down to U.S. – show of respect.

 Second, problems developed in Cuba which was a Spanish colony.  Cubans were revolting against the Spanish government – rioting.  Spain sent in troops to put down rebellion – many Cubans were imprisoned.

 Cuba looked to the U.S. for aid – business men who had money in Cuba wanted U.S. action.  Yellow journalists in U.S. – exaggerated and made up news stories to get U.S. to act.  Public read about cruelties to Cubans and demanded U.S. action.

 U.S. government was not ready for military action – but sent a warship, the U.S.S. Maine to sit off the coast of Cuba  Maine was there to protect U.S. citizens in Cuba  Maine explodes in Havana Harbor – killing 250 American sailors.

 American public and journalists blame Spain – real cause of explosion still unknown.  U.S. declares war on Spain – “Remember the Maine!”  War was short – U.S. dominated – May 1898 to December 1898.

 Spain signed the Treaty of Paris in 1898 officially ending the war.  Recognized Cuba’s independence, and U.S. gains Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico.  Result of Spanish-American War was that the U.S. now recognized as a world power.

 U.S. also made other gains in the Pacific Ocean.  Annexed Hawaii after overthrowing weak monarchy – islands were great place for naval station.  Used Pacific territory to reach China – huge amount of consumers – created “Open Door Policy” to keep fair trade among Europeans there.

 summary

 After the Spanish-American War, the debate intensified over whether the United States should build an empire.  Growing territories created a new need for an easier access from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

 The U.S. selected Panama as a perfect site to build a canal to connect the two oceans.  Problem: Panama is owned by Colombia – and they were not cooperative with the U.S.  The U.S. will once again use it’s power and influence to gain access to Panama.

 The U.S. supports a Panamanian uprising to claim independence from Colombia.  With the U.S. support and backing, Panama gains independence from Colombia quickly.  U.S. recognizes Panama as independent and pays $10 million for 10 mile stretch of land.

 Panama Canal completed in 1914 – took 10 years to build.  This was an example of President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy.  “Speak softly and carry a big stick” – “the big stick” is the U.S. military.

 Under Roosevelt the U.S. makes a new shift in dealing with the Western Hemisphere.  The change of policy is called the Roosevelt Corollary – U.S. will act as a “police” force.  Intervening in other nation’s affairs when stability of the Western Hemisphere is in question.

 The new change in policy sparked an American debate over our imperialist policies.  The country became separated between pro- imperialists and anti-imperialists.  Many popular Americans were divided on the issue.

 Anti-Imperialists:  Moral arguments – imperialism does not offer “liberty for all”.  Not giving some people the same rights.  U.S. military is getting too strong – what if it is used on Americans?  Racial arguments – why is our culture the best?  Economic – Expansion requires higher taxes to pay for it – and imported goods hurting industry.

 Pro-Imperialists:  Celebration of American spirit – manifest destiny made our country what it is.  Economic – more consumers to buy goods – establishing a world market.  Protection – we have connections around the world, we have buffer areas to defend homeland. – Roosevelt shows off power with Great White Fleet.

 summary