1. Discussion of U.S. Foreign Policy
Context: September 1901
Fighting in the Spanish-American War has ended
Treaty of Paris was ratified in Feb. 1899

2. John Hay Signs Treaty of Paris

3. Vote on the Treaty Yes… No… Spain will
Give up all rights to Cuba (see Teller Amendment and Platt Amendment)
Surrender Puerto Rico and gave up its possessions in the West Indies
Surrender the island of Guam to the United States
Surrender the Philippines to the United States for a payment of twenty million dollars.
Spain will give up former territories
U.S. will not have contractual obligation in those areas
Other countries may influence places like the West Indies
U.S. military will not be involved in other places without provocation
U.S sends international message that she wishes to remain isolated

4. Attendance at the Seminar
Senators, some of whom were members of the delegation in Paris
U.S. business owners and investors particularly in sugar (Cuba) and copper and fruit (Philippines)
Labor Leaders like Samuel Gompers
Anti-expansionist Business Leaders like Andrew Carnegie

5. Objective of Hearing To hear all opinions U.S Expansion
Consider opinions in deciding U.S. foreign policy in the new century.

6. Questions for Discussion
Are annexation and intervention in foreign countries contrary to Constitutional principles?
What role should the U.S. play in ensuring success of newly independent countries?
If American companies operate overseas, should the American government be obligated to consider their interests even though the company is not on American soil?
Should military strength and prowess be a priority for America?

7. Homework: Reflect on the seminar by responding
in a detailed paragraph to the following:
A precedent is any act, decision, or case that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent (later) situations. What issues and concepts from the discussion likely provided precedent for future choices in foreign policy? Justify two of them.