Expansion of U.S. International Influence in the Early 20th Century

The Open Door Policy

Objective: Promote international trade in China among China, the U.S., and other countries.
Context: Anti-foreign uprising by Chinese nationalists (Boxers) threatened Westerners in China.
European powers considered dividing China into spheres of influence, causing concern for the U.S.
U.S. recently accessed Chinese markets post-annexation of the Philippines (1898).
Secretary of State John Hay (1899-1900) negotiated with Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan.
- Proposed maintaining open trade and preserving China's integrity (geographically and administratively).
Result: Agreement accepted by all except Japan, became U.S. policy for 40 years.

Background: Expanded the Monroe Doctrine (1823) to prevent European colonization in the Western Hemisphere.
Policy: U.S. as a dominant force and "international police" in the Western Hemisphere.
Example: 1905 intervention in the Dominican Republic—U.S. repaid debts and appointed a new customs leader to prevent European intervention.
Modeled future U.S. involvement in Latin America.

Purpose: Demonstrate U.S. naval power globally.
Action: 1907 Navy Armada sailed worldwide.
Strength: Smaller compared to European navies, faced challenges from Japan.
Context: Dissatisfaction from Japan over a 1905 treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War.
Criticism: Seen as a waste of money and a potential threat to Japan.
Outcome: Impressed global leaders, including Japan.

Approach: Preferred economic investment over military force.
Encouraged U.S. businesses to invest abroad, promoting American ideals.
Consequences: Led to U.S. interference in foreign politics.
- Example: U.S. intervention in Nicaragua led to civil unrest and military intervention.
Result: Policy criticized as "dollar diplomacy," seen as a tool for political interference rather than exporting values.