America as World Power

Teddy Roosevelt became Pres in 1901 Won Noble peace Prize for his negotiations Russia + Japan he sent 16 gleaming white battleships on a world tour “Great White Fleet” – welcomed in Japan. Panama – Intervened to orchestrate Panamas independence & formulated a treaty to give US control of Panama Canal Platt Amendment all over again!

“Speak softly and carry a big stick” (Africa proverb) Big Stick Policy – Roosevelt’s Corollary to the Monroe Docrine. Warned Europeans to stay away from Latin Am “ force the US to exercise an international police power” US exercised its police power many times in the next decade. US involvement in Latin Am included sending in troops, controlling gov budgets, running elections and beginning construction of the Panama Canal

Roosevelt fostered this policy in Asia. It called for equal commercial opportunity for all nations trading with China. Boxer Rebellion – Chinese led against Foreigners Roosevelt sent troops to join with Japan & GB so that he could preserve US access to trade with China. He was awarded the Noble Peace prize for mediating the Russo- Japanese War

Pres Taft followed the policy of using US Gov to guarantee loans to foreign countries made by US businessmen.

1913 Gave Monroe Doctrine a moral tone. US had a moral responsibility to deny recognition to any Latin Am Gov it viewed as oppressive, undemocratic or hostile to US interests – pressure to be democratic Huerta took over Mexican Gov (executed Pres.) 1914 Wilson used an incident to send in US marines – nearly came to war. - US recognize new Carranza Gov. US sent 15K troops against rebel Pancho Vila. Gen Pershing chased him for 1 year. Wilson called out 150K National Guards to patrole the Mex Border US had to withdraw to enter WW1