20th Century Foreign Policy

Open Door Policy China Background: powerful countries begin demanding “leaseholds” in China or a “sphere of influence” U.S. Action: Secretary of State John Hay proposes the Open Door Policy allowing all countries to trade in China and in all spheres of influence Why?: Ensure American companies could continue to trade with China Second Open Door notes asks for leniency against China after Boxer Rebellion

Panama Canal Colombia, Panama Roosevelt’s philosophy? “Speak softly and carry a big stick” Display power, not necessarily using it, to deter countries U.S. Action: aided a rebellion in Colombia after being denied the sale of Panama; Panama gets independence and U.S. builds canal Why?: Save time and money with easy access to Pacific

Spanish-American War Countries: Guam, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Spain, Cuba In your notes

Roosevelt Corollary Countries: Western Hemisphere/Latin America U.S. Action: Roosevelt declares the United States will intervene to protect Latin American countries Why?: Many Latin American countries were in debt to European countries; wanted to prevent European takeovers

Dollar Diplomacy Countries: Latin America U.S. Action: Economic investment and trade Why?: Lead to prosperous Latin America that can resist European influence

Mexican Revolution Countries: Mexico Background: Madero leads a revolution to institute democracy against the dictator Diaz. Madero wins, but gets killed by General Huerta who institutes a brutal regime. U.S. Action: Wilson refuses to recognize Huerta; Americans taken prisoner; Wilson captures the city of Veracruz but is met with discontent; institutes the rebel leader Carranza who was opposed by the people; war breaks out Why?: Wilson believed it was the United States moral imperative to promote democracy around the world