1. Focus Question: How has U. S
Focus Question: How has U.S. foreign policy changed and developed over the past 200 years?

2. Foreign Policy:
How the U.S. relates and acts with other countries around the world.

3. Isolationism:
The idea that the U.S. should not involve itself with other countries.

4. George Washington’s Farewell Address
Historical Context
Washington advised future leaders to stay away from being involved with other countries, especially Europe.
National Interests
Washington and future Presidents throughout the 1800s mainly focused on internal developments such as territorial expansion and industrialization.

5. The Monroe Doctrine Historical Context
The U.S. warned European nations to stay out of the Western Hemisphere.
National Interests
The U.S. was able to complete westward expansion (Manifest destiny) without the fear of interference from European nations.

6. Imperialism:
The idea that the U.S. should take over and control other territories around the world.
WHY?
- Natural Resources -
- New Markets -
- Military Bases -

7. Mexican-American War Historical Context
After the annexation of Texas, U.S. began a war with Mexico under the pretext of a border dispute.
National Interests
The U.S. took valuable territories such as California, which brought rich farmland, gold, and other natural resources. The goal of “Manifest Destiny” was complete.

8. Annexation of Hawaii Historical Context
U.S. displaced the ruling monarchy and annexed Hawaii as a U.S. territory.
National Interests
U.S. business interests (e.g., Dole) ruled the island and the U.S. gained a valuable location for a military base and control of trade routes to Asia.

9. Spanish-American War Historical Context
After intervening in the Cuban rebellion vs. Spain and the explosion of the USS Maine, the U.S. & Spain went to war.
National Interests
U.S. gained control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines. U.S. emerged as a world military and economic power.

10. Roosevelt Corollary Historical Context
Teddy Roosevelt extended the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the U.S. would be the “policeman” in the Western Hemisphere.
National Interests
Led to numerous interventions in Latin America, which allowed the U.S. to maintain military and economic dominance in the Americas.

11. Panama Canal Historical Context
Teddy Roosevelt helped engineer Panama’s secession from Colombia and the U.S. built the canal.
National Interests
The canal allowed faster transportation between Atlantic & Pacific Oceans, important for trade and the movement of military vessels.

12. Neutrality:
The idea that the U.S. should not get involved in conflicts between other countries.

13. Why Abandon Neutrality?
U.S. Entry in World War I
Historical Context
U.S. did not want to get involved in what it saw as a purely European conflict.
Why Abandon Neutrality?
U.S. felt compelled to enter the war because of economic interests in Britain and France; also, the Zimmermann Note and Germany’s declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare (e.g., sinking of the ship Lusitania).

14. Why Abandon Neutrality?
U.S. Entry in World War II
Historical Context
U.S. did not want to repeat the “mistake” of having entered into World War I.
Why Abandon Neutrality?
U.S. gradually got more involved in the war – Neutrality Acts, “cash and carry,” the Lend-Lease Act; Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor forced U.S. entry.

15. Containment:
The idea that the U.S. must stop the spread of communism around the world.

16. Marshall Plan Historical Context
U.S. gave economic aid to countries of Western Europe to help rebuild after WW II.
National Interests
The countries that the U.S. helped did not become allied with the Soviet Union.

17. Truman Doctrine Historical Context
U.S. promised to help any people in the world who were fighting against communism – Greece and Turkey were first examples.
National Interests
The spread of communism was limited to Eastern Europe.

18. Berlin Airlift Historical Context
U.S. flew food and other supplies to people of West Berlin – over the Soviet blockade.
National Interests
West Berlin’s conversion to communism was prevented; the U.S. showed the world it was willing to risk war in order to prevent the spread of communism.

19. Korean War Historical Context
U.S. sent military to help South Korea defeat the attempted conquest by communist North Korea.
National Interests
South Korea did not fall to communism and the U.S. maintained an ally close to the border with China.

20. Bay of Pigs Invasion Historical Context
The U.S. trained and armed Cuban exiles in an attempt to foment a rebellion against the rule of Fidel Castro.
National Interests
This failed attempt to remove Castro as leader of communist Cuba did not protect national interests; it was widely seen as an embarrassment to the U.S.

21. Vietnam War Historical Context
U.S. fought a long, costly war in order to prevent communism from spreading to South Vietnam (the “domino theory”).
National Interests
U.S. failed to prevent the spread of communism; government’s dishonesty led many in the U.S. to lose trust in the government.