-
The McKinley Tariff of 1890
Boosted protective tariff rates of nearly 50 percent on average for many American products in an attempt to protect American businesses.This tells us that we were concerned with foreign businesses encroaching on American businesses. -
U.S. Involvement in Venezuela
The US got involved because of the Monroe Doctrine setting up a policy of opposing European colonialism in the Americas and they got involved as an arbitrator to the ordeal. The US sent the message that they were going to become a more prominent figure in the world. -
Spanish-American War
Causes of the Spanish-American War include Cuban patriots demanding independence from Spanish rule, U.S. intervention, guerrilla warfare used by the Spanish to establish control over Cubans, and concentration camps. American journalists wrote about the cruel treatment that took place within the camps, leading to resistance against Spanish rule. The deLome Letter and the USS Maine incident outraged Americans, leading to increased tensions between the U.S. and Spain and the U.S. entering the war. -
Spanish-American War
The Teller Amendment stated that the U.S. could only get involved with Cuba in an attempt to smooth over conflict and help promote stability. Its significance was to ensure that tensions between the U.S. and Spain could be alleviated, and it was made clear that the U.S. would not entirely acquire Cuba. Some called it the “Splendid Little War” because it lasted only 100 days and there was a small number of casualties while also being a gateway for the United States to acquire much new territory. -
Spanish-American War
The war spread to the Philippines because resentment of Spanish rule grew, the first fighting took place in the Philippines and the U.S. defeated the Spanish in the Philippines. The Spanish were defeated and forced to negotiate and sign the Treaty of Paris which granted Cuban independence, allowed the U.S. to gain Puerto Rico, Guam. and the Philippines. The Platt Amendment allowed the U.S. to get involved in Cuban affairs and allowed them to sustain order and enforce the Monroe Doctrine. -
Annexation of Hawaii
Sugar became a main export of Hawaii to the point where the US attempted to obtain Ford island for the tax-free importation of sugar. The new King wanted to keep the islands out of fear of Annexation which could potentially get rid of many traditions. It became a state due to plantation owners wanting to protect their financial interests, both in gaining exemption from import taxes for the sugar they shipped to the U.S. and in protecting their holdings from possible confiscation. -
American-Philippine War
After the Spanish-American War ended, Emilio Aguinaldo led Filipino nationalists in a fight against American forces. Aguinaldo was fighting because he wanted independence and not a change in colonial rulers. The conflict birthed once a the Philippines objected to the terms of the Treaty of Paris, as the Treaty of Paris allowed the United States to take possession of the Philippines from Spain. -
Open Door Policy
Hay’s Open Door Notes described an open door policy with China to be followed by the great powers so trade in China couldn't be monopolized. All great powers had access to ports in China, only the Chinese government could collect taxes on trade, and no great power could be exempt from paying charges. This was important to the United States because it created a policy where they could freely trade with China. -
Open Door Policy
The Boxer Rebellion led to negative relationships between China and foreign countries as hundreds of foreigners had been killed before the end and many nations no longer trusted China. Forts protecting Beijing were destroyed, government officials involved were punished, foreigners were permitted to station troops in Beijing for defense, China couldn't arms for two years, and they had to pay nations involved. -
Construction of the Panama
Building a canal across America to link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans was an idea many dreamed about. A canal would allow for the economy to prosper, as time for traveling would be decreased and a new way to connect the country would be formed. Under Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, the U. S. used military force in response to French resistance to gain rights in working the canal zone. Roosevelt appointed many engineers to construct the canal and it was opened on August 15, 1914. -
Roosevelt Corollary
The Roosevelt Corollary stated that the United States would intervene as a last resort to ensure other nations in the Western Hemisphere fulfilled their obligations to international creditors, didn't violate American rights, or invite foreign aggression. Theodore Roosevelt felt this was necessary to the Monroe Doctrine because he feared an invasion of Venezuela by European powers. It eventually served as justification for U. S. intervention in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. -
Mexican Revolution
The U.S. had made significant investments in Mexico’s oil and mining resources as well as its railroad. Francisco Madero believed he was destined to lead Mexico, but was defeated in a rigged election. Madero fled to the U.S. and published a manifesto encouraging Mexicans to rally against his opponent. -
Mexican Revolution
Concerned that a revolution might jeopardize foreign interests, President William Howard Taft assigned 2,000 troops to the Texas border. Victoriano Huerta pressured Madero to resign after he got a hold of power in Mexico, and he became a dictator. President Woodrow Wilson refused to recognize Huerta as Mexico's new leader. Wilson lifted an arms embargo, and used the accidental arrest of eight U.S. sailors at Mexico's Tampico Harbor to increase U.S. military presence there. -
Dollar Diplomacy
Dollar Diplomacy is using financial power as a form of imperialism. This occurred during William Howard Taft’s presidency between 1909-1913. Taft’s opponents coined the term to describe his use of financial resources to exert control over foreign affairs. The U.S. then became isolated, leading the U.S. to limit contact with other countries.The loans and economic investments involved in Taft’s form of diplomacy led to revolts and civil wars in some countries. -
Moral Diplomacy
Moral Diplomacy is the system in which support is given only to countries whose moral beliefs are similar to that of the nation. This promotes the growth of the nation's ideals and damages nations with different ideologies. Wilson first proposed his policy during the 1912 election. -
Moral Diplomacy
Wilson strongly believed in the idea of a democratic government, and hoped that his policy would help encourage the spread of democracy. Although he wanted to encourage growth around the world, his primary focus was on Latin America. As a result of his policy, Wilson's government often intervened in other countries' affairs.
