HIST 173 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Open Door Policy, Monroe Doctrine, American Imperialism
Document Summary
Foreign policy= american relationship with the rest of the world. Us was born in an anti-colonial rebellion. Us was born in an anticolonial rebellion against great britain. Violated american commitment to democracy and self-determination. For much of 1800s, us sought to remain aloof from global affairs. By 1870, us had gained access to a large amount of resource-rich land. Provided same benefits that external colonies offered european powers. Outlets for investment capital, access to resources, markets for finished goods. Alfred t. mahan"s blueprint for facilitating expansion: coaling stations, naval bases, a canal linking atlantic and pacific. Some thought us should become a full-fledged imperial power, like britain. War was sparked by situation in cuba, one of last colonies held by spain. Us declared war to free cuba from spanish rule. But some policymakers had more ambitious plans- war represented a chance to gain control of spanish colonies. War laid the foundation for us to acquire colonies of its own.
