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George Washington
George Washington on Imperialism:
"I have always given it as my undecided opinion that no nation has a right to intermeddle in the concerns of another; that everyone had a right to form and adopt whatever government they liked best to live under themselves; and that if this country could, consistently with its engagements, maitain a strict neutrality and thereby perserve peace, it was bound to do so by motives of policy, interest, and every other consideration." -
Monroe Doctrine
Reinforcing Washington's belief on American influence in foreign countires, Monroe orders Europeans should stay out of any affairs in North and South America. -
Spanish-American War
In 1898, Cuban missionaries hasd been fighting for 3 years, when the U.S stepped in to assist Cuba in the war against Spain, the Spanish are easily defeated. Cuba became an independent country and the U.S became known as a strong world power. Another result of the war was the United States gaining control of Puerto Rico, The Treaty of Paris was signed, and the U.S took over the island instilling better public health, sanitation and improved transportation, -
Open Door Policy in China
At this time, many of the world's great powers held a strong interest in trading with China. China had a large market available and they wanted to booost their economies. In China, Dowager Cixi and the Boxer Rebellion threatened the "Open Door" policy. WIth this policy, the first in the Far East in the 20th Century, gave countries to have "spheres of influence" in China. They would not directly rule, but the U.S was able to benefit economically. -
Platt Amendment
The United States secretary of war, Orville Platt, developed the Platt Amendment to limit Cuba and Cuba's foreign relations. This required there to be U.S Naval bases in Cuba and allowed U.S invention in Cua in order to maintain order and freedom. This established a United States presence in Latin America and led to many other relations with Latin America, including the Panama Canal. -
Panama Canal
The United States intervenes in order to gain land to create a canal and to free the people of Panama. This is seen as a foriegn policy success due to the United States effectively creating a canal to connect the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, thus increasing trade and allowing the U.S to rise as a major economic power. However, there were some consequences to this.The total cost was appproxiametly $8,600,000,000 in today's money and over 5,000 people perished during the construction of the canal. -
The Roosevelt Corollary
Theodore Rooselvelt announces to congress that the United States will use military force and would intervene as a last resort. This leads to interventions in Cuba, Haiti etc. and alllowed the United States to be justified in using military force to maintain stability in these countries. -
Dominican Republic Picture
U.S military in the Dominican Republic. -
Period: to
Domincian Republic Intervention
Under Roosevelt's Collorary, The U.S declard they would aid any Latin American countries who need financial aid. THe UNited States gave a loan of 20 million and sent an ultamatem in order to create a better government. Later in 1916, American military forces occupied the Dominican Republic. -
Treaty of Portsmouth
The Treaty of Portsmouth ended the Russo-Japanese War. During the war, many casualties and high economic costs led to Japan asking the U.S for help in peace talks. Both Japan and Russia wished to control their respective land and to gain new territory. Teddy Roosevelt mediated the conflict, which later earned him a Nobel prize, and decieded to side with Japan. Japan aquired half of the Sahhalin Island but Russia had the option of buying it back. -
Picture for Nicaraguan Occupation
American Troops in Nicaragua. -
Period: to
Nicaraguan Occupation
The United States sent troops to Nicaragua to prevent the formation of the Nicaraguan Canal. The troops remained until a revolutionary, Augusto Sadino led armies against the U.S. Because this was during the Depression, the U.S removed the troops. -
Haiti Occupation
Haiti was stuggling to pay back the loans from the United States and France and had several political leaders get assainated. The U.S stepped in by sending 300 Marines to take over. For the next 30 years or so, the United States controlled the economy of Haiti. THe United States was able to help the education system, living arrangements, and help stop dangerous revolts. -
Puerto Rico
After Puerto Ricans were upset with the way the country was being run, the United States granted freedom to the Puerto Ricans. Even though they recvieved citizenship and and more rights, the United States still controlled the territory. -
Puerto Rico
In 1898 there was a push to acquire Puerto RIco as a strategic location in the Carribean. The U.S gained the land and sent in military aid to help establish a stable government.
