1. The United States and East Asia

2. Filipinos Rebel Against U.S. Rule
While Filipinos saw the U.S. as allies during the Spanish-American War, they soon plotted to overthrow the U.S. rule.
In 1899, the Filipino rebels launched an uprising, led by Emilio Aguinaldo.
The U.S. responded by burning villages, destroying crops and killing and imprisoning suspected rebels.
They employed guerilla warfare tactics such as surprise raids and hit-and-run attacks, which they had also used on the Spanish.
In 1901, William Howard Taft became governor of the Philippines.
To ease tensions, he ordered the construction of schools, roads and bridges– things to improve the country.
In 1916, Congress passed the Jones Act, granting the Philippines their independence…. 30 years later.

3. U.S. Policy in Puerto Rico and Cuba
Puerto Rico remained under U.S. rule after the S-A War. The Foraker Act was passed in 1900 and established a civil government on the island.
Although Puerto Rico was a part of the United States, they could not enjoy the same privileges– in the insular cases, it was decided that Puerto Ricans had to pay taxes, but were not citizens.
Similarly, Cubans disliked the Platt Amendment (which was added to their constitution by the US) because it restricted their freedoms, stating:
Had to have US consent to sign treaties;
Lease land for naval bases (Guantanamo Bay);
US had ‘right to intervene’ to uphold order.

4. The United States Pursues Interests in China
European countries saw China as a place of valuable resources. They broke China into ‘spheres of influence’, or assigned areas of trade.
The U.S. was not included in the assigning.
Secretary of State John Hay saw a need for U.S. trade with China, so he proposed an ‘Open Door’ Policy.
Under this policy, the U.S. would agree not to colonize China, but simply be able to trade with the country.
The Boxer Rebellion, between the Japanese and Chinese rebels created tension in the region.

6. Tensions Rise Between America and Japan
The Russo-Japanese War began when Japan became frustrated with Russian troops in the region of China known as Manchuria.
When the two countries went to war, the United States became involved.
President Theodore Roosevelt negotiated an end to the war, winning him a Nobel Peace Prize.
Roosevelt further brokered tensions with Japan after San Francisco schools attempted to segregate Japanese children.
In the Gentleman’s Agreement, the school board pledged to end its segregation policy if Japan restricted emigration from Japan.

7. Tensions rise Between America and Japan
In a demonstration of their growing Navy, Theodore Roosevelt sent 16 white battleships on a “good will cruise” around the world.
These ships were known as the Great White Fleet.
It was a clever demonstration of military power by the newly emerged imperial power.

8. Roosevelt Pursues “Big Stick” Diplomacy
In regards to foreign policy, Roosevelt adopted a belief that a strong military was needed to achieve goals.
This became known as “big stick diplomacy” from the African proverb “speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
In 1903, the U.S. bought the rights to the Panama Canal from a French company.
Since Panama belonged to Colombia, they needed permission from the Colombian gov to build.
When the Panamanians rebelled for their independence, Roosevelt sent ships to back them.
Roosevelt believed it would be easier to purchase the area from Panama.
Upon acquiring freedom, they purchased the Canal Zone for $10 million, and $250,000 annual rent.

11. Roosevelt Pursues “Big Stick” Diplomacy
When the canal was completed in 1914, it cut 8,000 miles off the trip from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
Militarily, this allowed the U.S. naval fleets to send assistance in a speedier manner.
Economically, goods could be shipped 7-14 days faster.
When Latin American countries could not pay their debts, European countries began to occupy these countries.
In an effort to demonstrate regional power, Roosevelt updated the Monroe Doctrine by adding this corollary (an addendum) to it:
In the case of “chronic wrongdoing” (i.e debt) by a foreign nation, the U.S. could step in as a ‘police power’ and restore order.
It provided a basis for U.S. intervention.