New American Diplomacy

Theodore Roosevelt’s Rise to Power William McKinley’s success in recovering the economy won him the reelection in 1900 – He chose Theodore Roosevelt as his VP On September 6, 1901, McKinley was assassinated by Leon Czolgolz (anarchist) Roosevelt (42) became the youngest President ever

Theodore Roosevelt’s Rise to Power His war record and charisma won him the vice presidency – Republicans hope this position would calm his reform-minded spirit Now they worried that this “cowboy” would run the country into the ground

Roosevelt Becomes President He brought great enthusiasm and energy to the White House Became a strong supporter of US imperialism A believer in Anglo- Saxonism He intended to make the US a world power

American Diplomacy in Asia By 1899, the US had the 3 rd largest Navy in the world. – Made them capable of exerting power anywhere in the world In Asia the concern was commerce, not conquest.

The Open Door Policy In 1894, war had erupted between China and Japan (over Korea). Everyone expected China to win as Japan was new to the modern world – However it was Japan who was victorious

The Open Door Policy The treaty they signed allowed Korean independence, and gave Japan territory in Manchuria. – This greatly worried Russia because Manchuria bordered it Russia made Japan give it back, then forced China to lease it to Russia instead

The Open Door Policy Germany, France, and Great Britain demanded “leaseholds” (when the owner of some land allows someone else to occupy it). – Each leasehold became the center of a country’s sphere of influence President McKinley supported The Open Door Policy – All countries should be allowed to trade with China

The Open Door Policy There were requests sent to all countries with leaseholds in China that asked not to discriminate against countries who wanted to trade with China inside the leaseholds. – They all agreed as long as every other leaseholder did

The Boxer Rebellion While debates over who should control China continued, a group known as The Boxers were organizing to get rid of foreign control The Boxer Rebellion: – Member seized foreign embassies in Beijing Killing more than 200 foreigners and taking others prisoners

Boxer Rebellion In August, 1900 an international force stepped in and squashed the rebellion The US encouraged leaseholders to not use this as an excuse to break up China into colonies – Instead they accepted compensation for the damages

Balancing Power in East Asia Theodore Roosevelt supported the Open door policy – Worked to prevent any single nation from monopolizing trade there – In the years following the boxer rebellion, US and Japanese relations got worse

Balancing Power in East Asia In 1907, Roosevelt sent 16 battleships to tour the world – Meant to showcase the US Navy’s power Known as The Great White Fleet When the tour made a stop in Japan, it only made matters worse.

The Great White Fleet

A Growing Presence in the Caribbean Roosevelt believed that showcasing military might would force nations to think twice about fighting (“speak softly and carry a big stick)

The Panama Canal In 1903, Roosevelt acquired the Panama canal zone from France – France had attempted to dig it in 1881 to save time and money for commercial and military shipping At the time, Panama was still a part of Colombia – Colombia refused the $10 million proposal by the US to construct the canal

Revolt In Panama Many Panamanians were angry at Colombia for preventing the commercial benefits of the canal. They decided that the only way to ensure construction would be to declare independence and stage an uprising.

Revolt In Panama Roosevelt sent the Navy to prevent Colombian interference. Within a few weeks a treaty was signed – Allowed for the construction of the Panama Canal

Roosevelt Corollary Stated that the US would intervene in Latin American affairs when necessary. – In order to maintain economic and political stability in Western Hemisphere.

Roosevelt Corollary Many Latin American nations resented the growing American presence – Regardless, William Howard Taft (Roosevelt’s successor) continued the policies Taft focused less on military force and more on helping L.A. industry

Dollar Diplomacy Taft promoted dollar diplomacy – By promoting development in L.A. & Asia, the US can benefit by increasing markets, trade, and profits. – Also the countries in Asia and L.A. could rise out of poverty and social order He said he was substituting bullets for dollars