1. Unit 7, Section 1 U.S. Foreign Policy
As a superpower, the United States is committed to protecting freedom and human rights for all people.
American Foreign Policy (Through the years)
A. Isolationism
1. This is avoiding political involvement with other nations
2. George Washington promoted this in his “Farewell Address in 1796”
B. Getting Away from Isolationism
1. The Monroe Doctrine
a. America was not open to European colonization

2. b. Told Europe to stay out of Latin America
c. Told Europe that if they stayed out of U.S affairs then we (U.S.) would stay out of European affairs
s – Manifest Destiny
a. This is the belief that God intended the United States to expand westward
s – U.S. traders were going around the world looking for new markets
– United States opened Japanese ports to trade
s & 1880s – United States built up its navy
a. Hawaii was annexed in 1898

3. C. Imperialism
1. This is the policy of extending one country’s social, political, and economic influence over another
a. This led to involvement in Cuba
2. This policy set off the Spanish-American War
3. The Treaty of Paris ended this war
a. The United States received Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippine Islands.
D. Internationalism
1. This is a policy of promoting international cooperation that has characterized American foreign policy since World War II

4. 2. This started with U.S. involvement in World War I (1917)
a. Woodrow Wilson promoted a certain idealism in foreign policy stating a concern for human rights
U.S. Foreign Policy Has Three Basic Goals
A. Protect National Security
1. We want to ensure survival as a free, independent and democratic nation
B. Promote Democracy and Stability
1. The U.S. is committed to using its power to promote democracy and stability throughout the world

5. C. Defend Human Rights
1. Although not etched in stone, it is a desire of the United States to protect people’s rights in other nations
D. Up until 1991, the containment of communism was a major part of foreign policy. It no longer is a major focus
E. Major Goal #4 would be the “War on Terror”
1. This has become a primary focus in recent years of our foreign policy.