Yawp American Empire

Summary

This lecture explores the shift in American foreign policy from a colonial mindset to that of an emerging empire, focusing on the period from 1867 to 1914. It discusses the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, which established the Western Hemisphere as a U.S. sphere of influence, and the country's non-interference stance in European affairs. The lecture also covers U.S. interactions with territories like Alaska, China, guano islands, Hawaii, and Mexico, highlighting the use of military, economic power, and cultural influence as tools of foreign policy. The 'Open Door Policy' in China and the strategic importance of Hawaii are emphasized, along with the myth of 'Seward's Folly' regarding the Alaskan purchase.

Takeaways

• 🗽 The Monroe Doctrine, introduced in 1823, declared the Western Hemisphere a zone of U.S. influence and warned European nations against further colonization or puppet monarchies in the Americas.
• 🌎 The U.S. maintained a policy of non-interference in European affairs and sought to avoid entanglements in European wars, focusing instead on internal development and expansion.
• 🛤️ Westward Expansion was a significant focus for the U.S., with an emphasis on settling sparsely populated areas and fostering economic development through infrastructure like railroads and factories.
• 🔄 The U.S. was primarily interested in trade with other nations but was cautious about foreign entanglements, especially regarding European powers and their colonial ambitions.
• 🏰 The acquisition of Alaska in 1867 for $7.2 million was seen as a strategic move to increase U.S. territory and access to Asia, despite initial skepticism from some.
• 🚢 The U.S. advocated for an 'Open Door' policy in China, supporting free trade and opposing European carve-outs of Chinese territory, with an underlying interest in outcompeting others in trade.
• 💩 The Guano Act of 1867 allowed U.S. citizens to claim uninhabited islands with bird guano for fertilizer, demonstrating the U.S.'s global reach for resources.
• 🌴 American missionaries in Hawaii played a dual role in spreading Christianity and establishing economic control through sugar plantations, influencing the islands' political landscape.
• 🇲🇽 The U.S. invoked the Monroe Doctrine in response to French intervention in Mexico, supporting the elected president and demonstrating a commitment to hemispheric influence.
• 🔮 The lecture highlights a shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to a more active role in global affairs, particularly in the Western Hemisphere and Asia.

Q & A

What was the primary message of the Monroe Doctrine?

The Monroe Doctrine, delivered by President James Monroe in 1823, primarily stated that the Western Hemisphere was under the United States' sphere of influence and that European powers should not interfere in the Americas.

How did the United States view its role in international affairs during the period of 1867 to 1914?

During the period of 1867 to 1914, the United States generally aimed to maintain good relations with other countries as trading partners but was not interested in colonialism. The country was more focused on internal development, such as Westward Expansion, economic growth, and technological innovation.

What was the significance of the year 1914 in the context of American foreign policy?

The year 1914 marked the beginning of World War I and is considered a turning point in American foreign policy. It was a period that saw a shift in the US's attitude towards international involvement and the beginning of a more active role in global affairs.

Why was the purchase of Alaska in 1867 controversial at the time?

The purchase of Alaska in 1867 was controversial because some, like newspaper editor Horace Greeley, thought it was an unnecessary expense and referred to it as 'Seward's Folly' and 'Seward's Icebox.' However, the majority of Americans were in favor of the purchase due to the opportunity for territorial expansion and the potential for natural resource exploitation.

What was the 'Open Door Policy' regarding China, and why was it important to the United States?

The 'Open Door Policy' was a policy that aimed to support China's sovereignty by advocating for equal trading rights for all nations in Chinese ports. It was important to the United States because it allowed for free trade without the need to establish colonies, and the US believed it could outcompete other nations in trade.

What was the Guano Act of 1867, and how did it reflect American expansionism?

The Guano Act of 1867 allowed US citizens to claim uninhabited islands with bird guano deposits for the United States. This act reflected American expansionism by legally enabling the United States to acquire strategic resources and potentially valuable territories around the world.

How did the United States' involvement in Hawaii demonstrate its projection of power during this period?

The United States' involvement in Hawaii demonstrated its projection of power through missionaries spreading American culture and economic influence, particularly through the establishment of sugar plantations. Additionally, the strategic importance of Hawaii as a Pacific port contributed to the US's interest in maintaining control over the islands.

What was the significance of the US invoking the Monroe Doctrine in response to the French intervention in Mexico in 1865?

Invoking the Monroe Doctrine in response to the French intervention in Mexico in 1865 was significant because it demonstrated the United States' commitment to opposing European interference in the Americas and reinforced its stance as a regional power.