-
Thesis
During the time of 1900-1941, foreign policy changed a lot of things politically and diplomatically, especially with other countries. -
Period: to
Dollar Diplomacy
During his term, President Taft bankers to invest in companies abroad that would benefit the United States, which was known as Dollar Diplomacy. This was to increase the prosperity of America. However, because Japan and Russia owned the railraods in Manchuria, America tried to buy the railroads and give them over to China. This exchange was rejected, though. -
Underwood Tarrif
President Woodrow Wilson saw the need to trade with other countries and changes policies to reduce the tariff on incoming goods. This was meant to improve the American economy. This was a change towards realizing that the American people must thrive if the country is to thrive. -
Period: to
US Neutrality to WWI
Wilson declared neutrality at the beginning of the war, however, the United States prospered from trade with the Allies. Wilson was again re-elected in 1916 because of his anti-war campaign. Up to this point, America was anti-German, but they opposed entering the war. -
Period: to
Haiti
The United States intervenes in Haiti after turmoil begins, mostly to protect American goods and people. He then signed a treaty between Haiti and the United States to ensure that the United States would supervise the finance and police. This strengthened their presence in foreign countries, and diplomatically, because it gave them control over another region. -
Jones Act Signed
President Wilson signed the Jones Act, which gave the Philippines territorial status and promised that they could become independent once they had a stable government. This act increased the United States presence in foreign regions and this showed the motives of the US to occupy was to improve nations rather than to conquer. -
New Wartime Acts
Because of the United States role in foreign policy, politics become increasingly more aware of citizens residing in America and the threat of war. Previous to the war, Wilson enacted the Espionage Act of 1917, which made it illegal to speak against the government. Both Eugene V. Debs and William Haywood were convicted under this act. Also in 1917, the draft act was issued, which required all males between 18-45 to register and be drafted into the military. -
Wilson's Fourteen Points
This was Wilson's peace plan, highlighting abolishing secret treaties, freeing up the seas, etc. This allowed the United States to become a moral leader within the Allies, not only an imperialistic weapons supplier. -
United States becomes part of the Big Four
Due to the United States' support during WWI, Wilson was able to improve the United States' diplomatic standing with Italy, Britain, and France. This allowed the League of Nations to exist in the treaty; however, Wilson compromised through treaties and territories to ensure that it was included. The Treaty of Versailles was defeated by Congress, ending the League of Nations for the United States. -
Period: to
Prejudice in the Court
The new attitude of isolationism towards foreign policy bred a culture of fear and corruption in the politics of America. The rise of the "red scare" caused the American people to be terrified. Due to anti-foreignism, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, both Italian men, were convicted of murder by prejudice judges. -
Election of 1920
Due to Wilson's support of foreign policy and the League of Nations, isolationists opposed him. There became a clear distinction between the two political parties to show who supported (Democrat) foreign policy and who rejected (Republican) it. -
Period: to
Power through Isolation
Despite the United States remaining an isolated nation, they still held diplomatic power between the big powers. His secretary of war met at the Washington Disarmament Conference (1921-1922) to disarm their armies. They also agreed to the Five-Power Treaty, limiting wartime shifts. The Four-Power Treaty restated the the big powers in the Pacific. The Kellogg-Pact, or the Pact of Paris, tried to outlaw war with the exception of defending ones country. -
Period: to
Quotas on the People
Because of isolationism, the United States became increasingly aware and threatened by the immigrant population and passed the Emergency Quota Act in 1921 that only 3% of a country's nationality could reside in America. This percentage was lowered to 2% when the Immigration Act of 1924 was passed. -
Isolationism without Isolation
The Caribbean and Central America remained under the United States' protection, even through isolationism. The US played as peace maker in both Haiti and Nicaragua. -
Money, Money, Money
The United States was seen as the money lender to European countries after the war, which led to political change as the government saw that the welfare of the people was a direct concern for the government.. The US demanded payments back from France and Britain, but those countries didn't have the money. Instead, they turned to Germany for reparations. So Germany and the US agreed to the Dawes Plan, which allowed the US to financially support Germany. This was a step toward the depression. -
Stimson Doctrine
This changed the United States status diplomatically, stating that the United States refused to recognize any territory acquired by force. This showed that they were a leading country that others would follow behind, as well as its willingness to intervene. -
Withdrawing the Troops
President Hoover withdrew his troops from Haiti and Latin America, which paved the way for Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy. This also showed a transition in America's politics, as it showed that they were no longer an imperialistic nation but one that supported other nations and territories.
