American Foreign Policy Dbq Essay

Imperialism extremely impacted foreign policies in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th century. The Monroe Doctrine paved the way for foreign policies in the United States before the 19th century. In the 1900’s domestic affairs became less significant, as foreign affairs began rising in importance. The American foreign policy was shaped by imperialism through business interests, military significance, and an increase in Social Darwinism. With the business interests expanding, foreign trade became more important. The American Asiatic Association Organizes Businessmen in Support of an Aggressive China Policy job is to ”foster and safeguard the trade and commercial interest of the United States and places in Asia and the Oceania” (Document J). The United States made many policies and treaties with these countries, like the Treaty of Kanagawa in Japan and The Open Door Policy in China. This gave nations equal trade in China and guaranteed that they would not be taken over by any …show more content…
During this time, the US took over many islands. With this gained land, the US was able to travel farther for trade. In 1903, the United States and Cuba signed an amendment called the Platt Amendment. This amendment basically said that Cuba was under US protection (Document E). America also signed the Treaty of Paris that would free Cuba from Spanish rule. America was eager for land so that they could gain more influence in the world and be a force that would not be tested. (Document I) Uncle Sam is placing flags on foreign lands and it says “Uncle Sam wished to add another star to his flag”. When Uncle Sam added a new star to his flag, the military power at sea would increase. Alfred T. Mahan stated that if you control the seas, you control the world in his book, “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History” and that was exactly what the US was trying to