1. United States Foreign Policy

2. What is foreign policy?
A nation’s plan in dealing with other countries
Defined goals and objectives on how a country will interact with other countries
In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned the United States against forming permanent alliances (we did NOT listen)

3. Who creates foreign policy in the United States?
As Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, the President is responsible for foreign policy.
He (or she) receives help from many of his advisors.
The President negotiates treaties that are ratified by the Senate.
The Secretary of State is the foreign minister.
Congress has the power to declare war.

4. Monroe Doctrine
1823 – stated that European nations should stay out of the Western Hemisphere
In return, the U.S. would stay out of European affairs
Under Pres. James Monroe but largely the work of Sec. of State John Quincy Adams
The U.S. considered any attempt at colonization a threat to national security.

5. Spanish-American War
President William McKinley declared war on Spain in 1898
Causes:
Humanitarianism
Economic Interests
Yellow Journalism
DeLome Letter
Sinking of the Maine

6. Spanish-American War
Results: The United States became an increasing, world power after this war.
Treaty of Paris – US acquired Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines ($20 million)
Protectorate status over Cuba
U.S. turned to imperialism to compete with European nations

7. Roosevelt Corollary or “Big Stick Policy”
When Theodore Roosevelt became President, he issued this “extension” of the Monroe Doctrine by claiming that the U.S. would be the international police power in Latin America.
“Speak softly but carrying a big stick”
Not a popular foreign policy for isolationists in the United States.

8. Roosevelt Corollary or “Big Stick Policy”
Dominican Republic – repay debt to Europe
Panama Canal
Left feelings of ill will and distrust of the United States in Latin America
FDR tried to improve relations with the Good Neighbor Policy

9. Woodrow Wilson – World War I
Fourteen Points – Woodrow Wilson’s plan for world peace; included the formation of a League of Nations
Treaty of Versailles – the Senate refused to ratify this treaty because of the provision that included membership in the League of Nations

10. Harry S Truman – Atomic bomb
Dec. 7, 1941 Japan bombed Pearl Harbor
FDR placed Japanese-Americans in internment camps
After defeating Italy and Germany, FDR and then Truman, had tremendous difficulty getting Japan to surrender.
Japan had kamikaze soldiers who were willing to die for their country.

11. Manhattan Project
Secret plan (even VP Truman did NOT know about it) to build an atomic bomb
Tested in New Mexico
Truman was faced with the possibility of MAJOR US casualties if he continued conventional approach (island hopping)
Dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (Aug. 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (Aug. 9, 1945)

12. LBJ – Vietnam War
1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident – two U.S. warships allegedly attacked of the coast of Vietnam
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution – provided the Pres. to use armed force without a declaration of war (only TWO votes against)
1973 War Powers Act – under Nixon, restricted the right of the President to use the military
Must notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops; can only do so for 90 days w/o declaration of war