1. The Annexation of the Philippines
Filipinos were denied independence
Angered, Filipinos rebelled against U.S. forces
Philippine-American War—guerilla warfare costs over 4,000 U.S. lives (250,000+ Filipinos)
Some Americans argued it was a duty to “civilize” the “inferior” Filipinos (Anglo-Saxonism)
Others argued that the Philippines, like Hawaii, was strategically important for the military and trade

2. Cuba
Platt Amendment— U.S. restricted Cuba’s foreign policy, build bases in Cuba, and could intervene if Cuba became unstable
The Platt Amendment protected American military and economic interests in Cuba
American troops stayed in Cuba until Cuba agreed to the Platt Amendment

3. Spheres of Influence
European nations & Japan shared “spheres of influence” in China
The U.S., left out, feared losing trade with China
Sphere of Influence—a foreign country controls an area of a country for its own economic benefit

4. Open Door Policy
Secretary of State John Hay met with the world powers and secured access to China
Open Door Policy—stated the U.S. was allowed full trade with China

5. The Boxer Rebellion
Many Chinese hated the growing influence of foreign countries
Boxer Rebellion—Chinese nationalists attacked and killed thousands of foreigners, including Americans
U.S. joined with other nations to crush the rebellion

6. Foreign Policy under Roosevelt
“Big Stick Diplomacy”
Use a strong military to deter other countries from challenging American interests
Roosevelt believed in the African proverb, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”
Roosevelt was a progressive in his domestic policies
However, his foreign policies promoted international Darwinism and imperialism

7. Adding to the Monroe Doctrine
Monroe Doctrine—the U.S’ long-standing policy against foreign nations intervening in the Western Hemisphere
Roosevelt Corollary—stated the U.S. would intervene in Latin America when necessary
This prevented other countries from gaining power and territory near the United States

8. The Panama Canal
Roosevelt used the military to help Panama gain independence from Columbia
U.S. then built the Panama Canal, which connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
The canal helped the United States trade and move the military faster between the oceans

9. Demonstrating Naval Power
The Great White Fleet
Roosevelt sent this large squadron of battleships on a global tour
The fleet was peaceful but displayed the strength of the American navy
The Great White Fleet gained international respect and deterred other countries from challenging American interests

10. Foreign Policy under Taft
Dollar Diplomacy
Taft relied on America’s wealth, not military
Taft felt this benefitted American businesses AND poorer countries

11. “Dollars for Bullets”
Taft promoted business investment in Latin American countries
Taft used military to intervene when these countries became unstable
Latin American resentment of American imperialism grew after the Spanish-American War, especially after Big Stick and Dollar Diplomacy
Dollar Diplomacy: A policy that aimed to increase American investment ($) in Latin American countries
Would justify military intervention in areas where American business interests or lives were in danger

12. Foreign Policy under Wilson
Moral Diplomacy
Wilson opposed imperialism
Sought to respect other countries’ rights
Under Wilson, Filipinos got a bill of rights and were promised future independence
Puerto Ricans were given United States citizenship and representatives in Congress
Mexico
Wilson wanted to promote democracy in Mexico, where the government was unstable
Pancho Villa, a Mexican revolutionary, grew angry when Wilson did not support his bid for power

13. Moral Diplomacy
Wilson wanted to “right the wrongs” of past imperialism and promote democracy
However, Wilson used heavy military intervention in unstable Latin American countries
Under Wilson, Filipinos got a bill of rights and were promised future independence
Puerto Ricans were given United States citizenship and representatives in Congress

14. Wilson & the Mexican Revolution
Mexico was in a revolution during Wilson’s presidency
Mexican rebels, led by Pancho Villa, rise up
Cross border and kill 18 Americans
US sends troops after Pancho Villa, but retreated with the emergence of WWI
Villa attacked Americans along the border for revenge and to gather supplies
American troops entered Mexico to capture Villa, bringing the two countries closer to war
Tension lowered when Wilson had to withdraw troops from Mexico to prepare for WWI