1. NOTES: U.S. Foreign Policy
Foreign policy – is the set of goals, principles, and practices that guide a nation in its relations with other countries

2. I. Fundamentals of Foreign Policy
-Players: the president, the State Department (led by the Secretary of State), and Congress
Tools: diplomacy, financial aid, threat or use of military force
Influences: realism and idealism
Realism – decision making is guided by reason, is motivated by self-interest, and if for your own security
Idealism – decision making is guided by morals and ethics, is to help others, and is for the best of the community

3. II. Early Foreign Policy
Pres. Washington advocated neutrality
The War of 1812 was an effort to defend neutrality
Monroe Doctrine banned European colonization in the western hemisphere

4. III. Expansion through diplomacy
Louisiana Purchase (1803)
Spain cedes Florida (1819)
Britain cedes Oregon Territory (1846)
Russia sells Alaska (1867)
Gadsden Purchase (1853)
Annexation of Texas (1845)
The U.S. gains southwest region through victory in the Mexican War (1848)