Chapter 22: Becoming a World Partner

Chapter 22: Becoming a World Partner

1. What were the causes of the Spanish American War?

As Roosevelt approached the 20th century he realized the depression had greatly stripped America from its vast wealth and prosperity. Even despite the objections of America valuing power of liberty, Roosevelt moved forward and took an opportunity to imperialize and take over the world trade. In 1898, America went to war with Spain exposing an opportunity to upgrade its military, acquire more colonies, and be an influence to Europe and Asia.

2. Over what countries did the US exert control between 1898 and 1917 and what were the mechanisms of control?

The US exerted control over the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Cuba through imperial acquisition and military, specifically naval force.

3. What were the similarities and differences in the foreign policies of Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson?

All three were progressive reformers however their foreign policies had their similarities and differences. Roosevelt sought out a square deal, and was essentially an advocate of war. He believed that the US was superior and in turn needed to exercise its ability and build a military superior to other. He sought a balance of power amongst the industrial nations through negotiation rather than war. William Howard Taft seemed to direct toward expanding corporate investment overseas which many called "the dollar diplomacy". Essentially he supported friendly governments, sought to expand economic investments overseas, and maintained order in Latin America. Woodrow Wilson sought to safeguard the US's foreign investment while supporting and pushing democracy onto the other nations. In Mexico Wilson believed that a US style democratic government would that the property rights would be respected and US investments would stay secure.

Terms:

Queen Liliuokalani:

The queen who was put into power after the Hawaiian king was deposed during the political and economic instability of Hawaii caused by the tensions of American sugar plantations. However the queen sought to establish independence from America and evidently, her regime too was overthrown.

Frederick Jackson:

A famous American Historian who was famous for his vision of the frontier he delivered at the American Historical Association of Chicago in 1893 entitled "The significance of the Frontier in American History". He claimed that the expansion into the frontier expanded nationalism, democracy, individualism, and further expanded opportunities of advancement.

Alfred Thayer Mahan:

One of the most popular imperialists, known for his novel " The Influence of Sea Power Upon History", exclaimed that all great powers beginning with Rome had a strong naval military and controlled the seas. He also called to America to strengthen their naval power and exert their power to be known internationally. He also explained the necessity for a canal across Central America for US ships to cut through quickly for war. Evidently this became the Panama Canal.

Randolph Hearst:

Owner of the New York journal, Hearst revolutionized the newspaper by seeking out sensational and shocking stories to illustrate them in lurid detail. However they were accused of compelling readers with their titillating detail when true reports did not appear dramatic enough to boost circulation.

John Hay:

The secretary of state during John McKinley’s presidency that played a large role in the diplomatic tactics toward the Chinese and the open door policy. He sent open door notes asking the powers to grant reasonable harbor fees, respect China's sovereignty by enforcing their tariff duties and open it's Chinese sphere of influence to the merchants.

Rough Riders:

Much decorated Calvary unit organized Roosevelt to fight Cuba in 1898. During the Spanish American war 1 million men volunteered to fight. Amongst the Calvary was a regiment of Rough Riders who fought along side Negros. However, despite the great brevity their role was greatly downplayed.

Treaty of Paris:

The Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary war and established America's independence from Great Britain.

Open Door:

In order to achieve America’s foreign policy objectives, John Hays opted to diplomatic strategy as opposed to military strategy. To prevent break up and to preserve the economic access to the whole of China, America sent open door notes asking the powers to grant reasonable harbor fees, respect China's sovereignty by enforcing their tariff duties and open it's Chinese sphere of influence to the merchants.

Roosevelt Corollary:

Ensuring US dominance of the Western Hemisphere was once of Roosevelt's first prioritized foreign policy objectives. As a result he established a corollary to the Monroe doctrine, which stated that any intervention in American politics would be considered hostility against the states. Roosevelt further declared that the US had the right to intervene in domestic affairs of nations in the Western Hemisphere to obstruct European advancement and prevent disorder. It was similar to the policy set against Cuba and Guam.

Hay-Pauncefote Treaty:

The Hay-Pauncefote Treaty released the prohibition of either country building a Central American Canal without the others participation (GB).  Roosevelt then immediately asked his advisers to construct a route across Nicaragua. However the owner of the already nearly finished Panamanian Canal asked 100 million for the territory, later on the price went down to 40 million and congress approved. This became later known as the Panama Canal.

Chinese exclusion act:

The land of opportunity was quite compelling for a vast number of immigrants, however many of the immigrants populated from Asia, specifically China and Japan. As a result of the overload of Chinese and Japanese immigrants, the US government put a halt to their immigration. The Chinese exclusion act was implemented in 1882 restricting Asians from migrating to the US. Further on, society would not condone the migration and began to segregate Asian school children releasing to the press that it would "contaminate" the other white students. Japan then reached a "gentleman's agreement" with the US and halted immigration. As a result Roosevelt pledge for Japanese equality.

Porfirio Diaz:

Diaz was the dictator of Mexico who was overthrown by democratic forces led by Francisco Madero leading to the Mexican Revolution in 1910. However, the US was not happy as Madero spoke of democratic reform scaring the foreign investors whom owned 90% of it's real estate, oil reserves, real estate, etc. As a result Madero was assassinated.