18-4: America as a World Power

Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Diplomacy:T.R.’s foreign policy = the use of the U.S. military, especially the navy,

to influence other nations

American action taken:1. Treaty of Portsmouth is

negotiated:Background information:

(Russo-Japanese War)Both Russia and Japan wanted to control Korea. Japan captured Korea and invaded Manchuria which had been controlled by Russia, but the war was becoming costly for Japan. So, Japan asked President Roosevelt to “mediate” the conflict.

Consequences of that action:

1. The Russo-Japanese War ended; the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to President Roosevelt; American Prestige increased

Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Diplomacy

American action taken:2. U.S. Warships are

used to ensure Panama’s independence

T.R. supports a revolution in Panama, so Panama can gain its independence from Columbia = U.S. gains a 10 mile wide canal zone

Consequences of that action: Rights to build a canal zone, and to intervene in Panama gained by the U.S.; the Panama Canal built; U.S. -Latin American relations severely damaged

Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Diplomacy

American action taken:3. Panama Canal is

built

Consequences of that action:Travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are significantly reduced; the power and prestige of the U.S. enhanced; U.S. –Latin American relations severely damaged

Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Diplomacy

American action taken:4. Roosevelt Corollary is

adopted• It was a follow up to the

Monroe Doctrine (1823) = Europe should not interfere in Latin America/Western Hemisphere. The Roosevelt Corollary adds the “or else” piece = Teddy Roosevelt’s policy (1904) that said that the U.S. would intervene (militarily) if need be in Latin American republics to ensure their debts paid and order preserved.

Consequences of that action:

• U.S. military intervention in Latin America, specifically Nicaragua, as part of U.S. “international police” power = ensure American dominance in the region

• U.S adoption of dollar diplomacy under Taft’s presidency = the use of American investments in other countries in order to exert influence over these nations.

Wilson’s “Missionary Diplomacy”:(The U.S. could not recognize any governments that were oppressive,

undemocratic, or opposed to U.S. Business interests)

American action taken:5. Wilson uses a minor

incident with Mexico as an excuse to occupy Veracruz

• Wilson refused to recognize oppressive Mexican leader, Huerta.

• Wilson exercises a plan of “watchful waiting” for the right opportunity to send in troops

• Mexican officials arrest U.S. sailors, and Wilson sends in troops

Consequences of that action:

• Deaths of more than 100 Mexicans

• U.S. and Mexico brought close to war

Wilson’s “Missionary Diplomacy”:

American action taken:6. Wilson recognizes the

Carranza Government

• When Huerta’s regime collapses and Carranza, a nationalist leader, becomes President of Mexico, Wilson withdraws U.S. troops (1914).

Consequences of that action:

• U.S. comes into conflict with Pancho Villa

Wilson’s “Missionary Diplomacy”:American action taken:7. Wilson refuses Carranza’s

demand to withdraw U.S. troops sent into Mexico to capture Villa

• (1916) Francisco “Pancho” Villa leads a revolt against Carranza and Wilson sends General John J. Pershing to Mexico to capture him.

• Mexicans are angered by the U.S. invasion and Wilson withdraws the troops in (1917)- At that time he is more occupied by the possibility of U.S. Involvement in fighting The Great War in Europe

Consequences of that action:

• Anti-American feelings in Mexico is intensified

• Mexico nationalizes oil and mineral resources and adopts stricter regulations on foreign investors

• John J. PershingU.S. General who led the troops (Buffalo Soldiers) to capture Villa in Mexico

• Hay-Pauncefort Treaty

This treaty allows Britain to get out of a previous agreement (1850) to build the Panama Canal as a U.S.- British venture