American Imperialism Lecture Notes

Overview

• Focus: American foreign policy evolution during the era of imperialism.
• Key Presidents: Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson.

The Open Door Policy

• U.S. expansion into China.
• Represents broader American imperialistic goals of global presence.

Teddy Roosevelt's Foreign Policy

• Big Stick Policy
  • Rooted in the Monroe Doctrine.
  • Motto: "Speak softly and carry a big stick."
  • Encourages peaceful diplomacy backed by military strength.
  • Belief in U.S. duty as an international police, especially in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Examples: Panama Canal, intervention in the Dominican Republic.

William Taft's Foreign Policy

• Dollar Diplomacy
  • Shift from military intervention to economic influence.
  • Encourages U.S. business investments in Latin America and East Asia.
  • Aims: Create stability and benefit the U.S. economy.

Woodrow Wilson's Foreign Policy

• Missionary Diplomacy
  • Moral obligation to support democratic governments and oppose oppressive regimes.
  • Aligns American foreign policy with ethical principles (democracy, human rights, self-determination).
  • Focus on Latin America:
    • Intervention in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution.
    • Criticism for contradicting sovereignty and self-determination ideals.

Panama Canal

• Need for a canal to allow military/naval movement between oceans without circling South America.
• Initially planned for Nicaragua but shifted to Panama due to terrain challenges.
• U.S. aided Panama's independence from Colombia to secure canal rights.
• Canal construction faced challenges like disease (yellow fever, malaria).
• Opened in 1914 and remained under U.S. control until 1999.
• Modern navigation requires expert pilots for ship passage.

Consequences and Legacy

• American imperialism mixed old and new colonizing patterns.
• Shift from isolationism (Washington's Farewell Address) to global influence.
• Ongoing debates about U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts and territories.

Conclusion

• American foreign policy during this era laid the groundwork for contemporary international relations and debates.