Describe Theodore Roosevelt's use of the big stick to construct the Panama Canal
Explain the role of the United States in ending the Russo-Japanese War
Introduction to Big Stick Foreign Policy
Big stick foreign policy: Based on the proverb "speak softly, and carry a big stick." It emphasized negotiating peacefully while also threatening with a strong military force.
Adopted by Theodore Roosevelt, following President McKinley's era of American empire through military strength and economic coercion.
Roosevelt's strategy involved wielding U.S. military power as a deterrent rather than a weapon.
Roosevelt's Philosophy
Coined as "the strenuous life," focusing on challenges overseas to instill American resolve and vigor.
Belief that the U.S. had the obligation to be the policeman of the Western Hemisphere, promoting American interests as best for the Western Hemisphere.
The Construction of the Panama Canal
Interest in a canal began in the mid-16th century; gold discovery in California in 1848 increased interest.
Roosevelt followed Mahan's strategic military advice to construct the canal for military and trade benefits.
Negotiated with Colombia for land; after the Colombian Senate rejected the treaty, Roosevelt supported Panamanian independence to facilitate construction.
In 1903, Panama became an American protectorate, and the canal construction began in 1904, completed in 1914.
The Roosevelt Corollary
Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine, asserting U.S. right to use military force to correct "chronic wrongdoing" in Latin America.
Justified U.S. intervention in Cuba, Panama, Dominican Republic, and other Latin American countries.
Roosevelt's actions laid groundwork for future U.S. interventions in the region, though later softened by successors.
American Intervention in the Russo-Japanese War
Roosevelt supported a balance of power in Asia, evident in his handling of the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).
Initially supported Japan, but mediated peace to prevent Japanese dominance.
Arranged a peace conference in Portsmouth, leading to the end of the war and earning Roosevelt a Nobel Peace Prize.
Roosevelt's "big stick" was subtly used by sending the Great White Fleet as a show of force to reinforce U.S. interests in Asia.
Conclusion
Roosevelt's foreign policy emphasized American strength and intervention when deemed necessary.
His strategies in Latin America and Asia were instrumental in shaping early 20th-century U.S. foreign policy.
Key Figures
Theodore Roosevelt: 26th President of the United States, known for his assertive foreign policy.
Key Terms
Big Stick Diplomacy: A policy of carefully mediated negotiation supported by the unspoken threat of a powerful military.
Roosevelt Corollary: An extension to the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. authority in the Western Hemisphere.
Panama Canal: A crucial maritime route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, constructed under Roosevelt's administration.