1. America Claims an Empire

2. U.S. Foreign Policy America’s Foreign Policy under George Washington:
During the French Revolution & resulting conflict Washington kept the country neutral.
In his Farewell Address to Congress Washington warned the nation: “steer clear of permanent Alliances with any portion of the foreign World.”
Effectively, Washington established the U.S. as an Isolationist nation
Isolationism: The strict non-involvement in other nations’ affairs. Keeping the country uninvolved by only doing business or trading with the other countries, not getting involved in their politics or disagreements with other countries.

3. U.S. Expansionism in the 1800’s
Manifest Destiny: The notion that America had the right to control the North American Continent. “That westward expansion was predestined by God.” –The American’s: Reconstruction to the 21st Century.
President James K. Polk (president )
Had five goals when he was elected:
Acquire Texas and California from Mexico (Mexican-American War)
Acquire Oregon Territory (54’ 40’’ or Fight!, agreed on 49th Parallel
Lower tariffs
Establish Independent Treasury
Only serve one term in office
By 1850 all five goals were achieved! b

6. U.S. Expansionism in the 1800’s
The U.S. wanted more markets to sell their good in so they followed the foreign policy of Imperialism.
Imperialism: The Extending of national power by acquiring territory around the globe or exploiting weaker nations to serve national interests.
A great debate broke out over the issue of American Imperialism.

8. Revolution in Cuba
The U.S. got involved in Cuban affairs and was brought into potential conflict with Spain.
The Cuban Revolution began in 1868.
Reasons for American Involvement:
Geographically natural expansionism
Struggle for Independence
Economic potential of Sugar Plantations
Investments

9. The Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine

10. The Maine Incident
Hopes that the U.S. could stay out of the War were dashed in 1898.
U.S. Battleship Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba.
The Maine was stationed there to protect American citizens and property if necessary
260 Americans were killed in the explosion
Each side blamed the other for the Maine Explosion and despite two investigations it is still unclear how the ship exploded.

11. Swag

12. Yellow Journalism pushed the U.S. toward WAR!
The public was outraged at the Main incident.
Journalist used “Yellow Journalism” or sensational headlines and stories, with little attention paid to the facts. Designed to grab the attention and stir up the emotions of the readers.
Sensational stories and misrepresented facts led to public outcry for War.
After much debate and attempts at peace in Cuba, President McKinley called for War with Spain on April 11, 1898.

14. The Spanish-American War
The outbreak of War in the Pacific
The Spanish –American War began in the Philippines
Admiral Dewy and his fleet attacked Manila Bay on May 1st and within seven hours had demolished all the Spanish ships in Manila Bay.
With 11,000 reinforcements and working with Filipino patriots, they captured Manila on August 13, 1898.

15. The War Moves to Cuba
Fighting on the island of Cuba began on June 20, 1898
The “Rough Riders” embodied the American Enthusiasm for the fights against Spain and were lauded by the Press. Their spirit and determination became legendary after they charged up the foot of San Juan Hill, a strategically important part of the ridges surrounding Santiago, the capitol of Cuba. They were led by Theodore Roosevelt.

16. The U.S. defeats Spain
U.S. troops in the Spanish-American War included numerous African-Americans, they played a crucial role in America’s defeat of Spain.
The Battle of San Juan Hill-the first major battle of the Spanish-American War-turned out to be the last.
The American fleet destroyed the Spanish fleet in Santiago harbor and moved on to take the island of Puerto Rico.
During the War more men died of Malaria; 5,000, than in combat; 385.
Troops had to be quarantined in New York to prevent outbreaks in the U.S.

17. U.S. Emerges as a World Power
Cease fire was signed on August 12, 1898.
The U.S. acquired three new territories during the war: Guam, the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
U.S. emerged from the Spanish-American war as a world power and created a new international role for the country.
People who were opposed to U.S. control over the Philippines and other new territories created the Anti-Imperialist League after the war.

18. U.S. Imperialism in the Early 1900’s
U.S. plays a new role in World Politics after the Spanish American War
U.S. presidents; Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson, all involved the the U.S. in the affairs of various Latin American and Asian countries.
Territorial Expansion included Alaska, Hawaii, as well as territory gained in the Spanish-America War.

19. New Foreign Policy Terms
Collective Security: Working with others countries to influence world affairs. AKA The Alliance system. Make allies with other countries for security purposes. The most famous alliances today is NATO and the U.N.
Internationalism: Intervening in other countries’ affairs to promote important national interests and/or to safeguard national security. “International Police”

20. The Presidential Policies
Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Policy
Actively meet any challenge to the national interest
He wanted the U.S. to have a strong international presence
Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe doctrine which Asserted the right of the U.S. to act as an international police power in Latin America.

21. The Presidential Policies
Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy”: Encouraged American businesses to invest in foreign regions
Wilson’s “Moral Diplomacy”(AKA “Missionary Diplomacy”): maintained that U.S. should champion the spread of Democracy around the globe emphasizing American ideals such as self-determination.
Also used to justify American intervention in the Mexican Revolution. Stated that U.S. had a moral responsibility to deny recognition to any Latin American Government it viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to U.S. interests.