1. Roosevelt and Latin America
Section 3
Chapter 18
Becoming A World Power
Mr. Riddlebarger

2. Fate of Cuba & Puerto Rico
Cubans had basically defeated Spain before U.S. arrival but U.S. intervenes and did not ally themselves with Cubans.
After victory, U.S. feels free to take control.
The Teller Amendment (attached to war resolution) was to prevent U.S. from annexing Cuba.
Nevertheless, President McKinley puts U.S. military in charge of Cuba after the war.
In 1900, Cubans are authorized to draft a constitution (modeled after U.S.) and put into place provisions for self-rule.
Platt Amendment: limits Cuba’s ability to sign treaties with other nations & allows the US to intervene in Cuban affairs
US also has the right to military base (Guantanamo)
Cuba is now a US protectorate (under our control & protection)

3. U.S. Emergence As World Power
Large Economy
Control over several overseas possessions
McKinley’s 1901 assassination leaves Theodore Roosevelt as President.
He develops a foreign policy to support our new role in the world
U.S. will continue to intervene in affairs of nations that were seen as vital to our economic and strategic interests.

4. “Civilization Begins At Home”

5. Anti-Imperialist Movement
Many Americans were troubled by the Treaty of Paris and our new role in the world.
How can U.S. become a colonial power without violating basic principles?
All people have the right to liberty
“Congratulations. You seem to have about finished your work of civilizing Filipinos. It is thought that about 8000 of them have been completely civilized and sent to heaven. I hope you like it.”
-Andrew Carnegie (anti-expansionist) in letter to an expansionist

6. The Panama Canal
The Spanish American War convinces many of need for shorter route between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The idea is to build a canal across Central America

7. Building the Canal The isthmus of Panama is seen as an ideal location.
Panama was a province of Colombia.
Colombians refuse U.S. attempts to negotiate for rights to dig canal

8. The U.S. helps instigate a Panamanian Revolution against Colombia (1903).
U.S. immediately recognizes Panama’s independence and becomes its partner.
In return, Panama signs treaty giving U.S. permanent grant of 10 mile wide strip of land, “Canal Zone”, for $10 million.

9. “ Mosquitoes get so thick you get a mouthful with every breath”
- Panama Canal construction worker
Construction began in 1904
Workers from many countries.
Mosquitoes and yellow fever plague the workers.
Dr. William Gorgas finds cause of fever & how to prevent it.

10. Giant steam shovels are used to dig.
Canal finished in 1914, ahead of schedule and under budget.

12. Reaction to the Canal Some call it “foul play in American politics”.
Many approve though

13. Reaction to the Canal
Leaves many Latin American countries resentful toward U.S.
After TR dies, Congress voted to give $25 million to Colombia

14. Foreign Policy in the Early 1900’s
“ Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
BIG STICK= U.S. NAVY
**Threat of military force allows TR to conduct aggressive foreign policy.

15. The Roosevelt Corollary
An addition to the Monroe Doctrine stating that the United States would be an international police power for the Western Hemisphere.
The U.S. would intervene to protect its interests from world powers.

16. Under Roosevelt, U.S. intervention in Latin America becomes common.
- angers Latin American governments.
Congress is displeased with single-handed foreign policy; strengthens president, weakens them.

17. TR as Peacemaker
Roosevelt’s main concern is maintaining the “Open Door” in China
In 1904, Russia & Japan go to war, Russo-Japanese War
TR works to end the war and wins the Nobel Peace Prize for accomplishment

18. William Howard Taft
Roosevelt’s chosen successor, he was elected in 1908.
Taft was not as aggressive in pursuing foreign policy .
Taft’s main goals:
Maintain Open Door in China
Preserve Latin American stability.

19. $ Dollar Diplomacy $
Taft preferred substituting “dollars for bullets” (using money to persuade foreign nations rather than threat of force).
Dollar Diplomacy was increased investments in foreign economies.
Taft had many critics of this policy.
It was not always profitable; some governments collapsed, others were resentful of American influence.