U.S. Foreign Policy: Roosevelt Era

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Questions and Answers

What is big stick diplomacy?

A policy used by Theodore Roosevelt that threatened force to achieve foreign policy goals.

What is the Panama Canal?

A shipping canal across the Isthmus of Panama, linking the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

What was the basic principle of Roosevelt's big stick diplomacy?

The threat of military force was all that was needed to be successful in foreign policy.

Why was the Panama Canal important?

It connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and allowed for quicker shipping and military movement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Roosevelt Corollary?

An addition to the Monroe Doctrine stating the U.S. would intervene in conflicts between Latin American and European nations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Monroe Doctrine?

A policy expressing that European interference in the Western Hemisphere would be seen as an act of aggression against the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Monroe Doctrine important to the Roosevelt Corollary?

It warned European nations that there were consequences for interfering in the Western Hemisphere. Signup and view all the answers

What are the authors' opinions on Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy?

Mark Twain believes that imperialism is fueled by self-serving aspirations, while The News Scimitar praises Roosevelt's achievements. Signup and view all the answers

What details from each of the excerpts demonstrate the authors' opinions?

Twain's statement 'We have gone there to conquer, not to redeem' shows opposition, while The News Scimitar praises Roosevelt. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Theodore Roosevelt intervene in the Russo-Japanese War?

To maintain a balance of power in Asia and protect U.S. economic interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Gentlemen's Agreement?

An agreement to ease immigration tensions between the U.S. and Japan. Signup and view all the answers

What was big stick diplomacy?

Roosevelt's foreign policy emphasizing the threat of force rather than the use of it. Signup and view all the answers

How did Theodore Roosevelt gain access to the land to build the Panama Canal?

By encouraging a revolt in Panama after a failed agreement with Colombia. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Roosevelt Corollary important?

It sent a message to European and Latin American nations about U.S. intervention. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Big Stick Diplomacy

A foreign policy approach by Theodore Roosevelt emphasizing the use of threats rather than military force to achieve U.S. foreign policy goals.
Based on the belief that previous American military successes allowed for the mere threat of force to be sufficient.

Panama Canal

A significant shipping canal that connects the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, facilitating faster trade.
The U.S. aimed to construct the canal for both military advantages and economic efficiency, as it eliminated the lengthy route around South America.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. authority to intervene in conflicts between Latin American countries and European nations to maintain regional stability.
Announced by Roosevelt to reassure Latin American nations of U.S. support against European intervention.

Monroe Doctrine

Aimed to prevent European interference in the Western Hemisphere, declaring such actions would be treated as aggression towards the United States.
Laid foundational principles for U.S. foreign policy in the Americas.

Authors' Opinions on Roosevelt’s Foreign Policy

Mark Twain criticized imperialism, suggesting it was driven by self-interest, not the liberation of peoples.
The News Scimitar highlighted Roosevelt’s achievements, particularly the construction of the Panama Canal, portraying his actions positively.

Russo-Japanese War Intervention

Roosevelt intervened to maintain a balance of power in Asia, protecting U.S. economic interests amid the conflict between Japan and Russia.
He sought to limit Japanese expansion in the region.

Gentlemen’s Agreement

An accord between Roosevelt and Japan to alleviate immigration tensions by limiting Japanese labor immigration to the U.S.
The U.S. committed to refraining from discriminatory legislation against Japanese immigrants.

Acquisition of Panama Canal Land

Following failed negotiations with Colombia, Roosevelt supported a revolt by the Isthmus of Panama to achieve independence.
Upon Panama's declaration, the U.S. quickly recognized it and gained permission to build the canal.

Importance of the Roosevelt Corollary

Reinforced the Monroe Doctrine by establishing the U.S. as a regional enforcer, signaling intentions to intervene in Latin America for peacekeeping.
Aimed to convey U.S. dominance and responsibility in the Western Hemisphere, deterring European actions.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts of U.S. foreign policy during the Roosevelt era, including Big Stick Diplomacy, the Panama Canal, and the Roosevelt Corollary. Test your knowledge on how these strategies shaped America's role in global affairs and regional stability.