As imperialism became a trend among global powers in the late nineteenth century the United States faced further pressure to carry out a more aggressive foreign policy. The Spanish-American war sparked American major involvement in foreign affairs. Initially, American interference with global issues appeared to have a noble cause, but future policies and events proved differently. The control and imperialistic policies that the U.S carried on after the war, the aggressive use of the Monroe doctrine by the presidents who followed, and increasing desire by Americans to be involved in political affairs abroad for protection of their own financial well-being went to show that economic motives driven by a highly demanding American public were prime
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The Teller Amendment of 1898 had made it clear that America’s intention in entering the war was not to take control of Cuban politics. Following the war; however, American troops remained in Cuba and did not leave until the passage of the Platt Amendment in 1901 which was contradictory of the earlier Teller law that the U.S had assured. The Platt Amendment placed strict conditions on Cubans in return for American retrieval. Ultimately, this amendment placed Cuba under American control even after U.S troops left. Cuba and Philippines were not the only territories that witnessed American take over. The war with Spain increased American spirits of war and imperialism and in 1898 the U.S annexed Hawaii. Furthermore, the peace treaty that ended the war reflected American imperialistic attitudes. Through the Treaty of Paris in 1898 the U.S gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and got to keep the Philippines. The fact that the U.S sought to keep these territories under their possession but refuse to grant them constitutional rights (insular cases) went on to show that its intentions were not as noble as they seemed, but that imperialistic motives forced them to interfere for financial …show more content…
This unprecedented involvement demonstrated U.S desire and ability to protect financial possessions abroad. The Open Door policy, introduced by the U.S in 1899, granted equal trading privileges in China. Also, the building of the Panama Canal in 1903 was another huge gain for American enterprise. However, these successes did not come without consequences. Foreign spheres of influence in China provoked Chinese nationalists to rebel in 1900 (the Boxer Rebellion). Also the Panama Canal was preceded by conflict with Columbia and significant American involvement in Latin America which was at times viewed as an aggressive by peoples whose homelands were being tampered with. Acquisitive Americans would go on to learn that pursuing financial gains was often followed by global resentment. Roosevelt’s Big Stick Diplomacy was followed by William Howard Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy in 1909. Taft’s foreign policy seemed more upfront to true American motives: promoting U.S trade by supporting American enterprises abroad. But this did not mean problems with global powers would be avoided. Taft’s interaction with other international powers was often controversial. His continuing attempt to invest in China and Latin America had little support as problems that came with global interference created a growing anti-imperialistic attitudes in the
The Teller Amendment of 1898 had made it clear that America’s intention in entering the war was not to take control of Cuban politics. Following the war; however, American troops remained in Cuba and did not leave until the passage of the Platt Amendment in 1901 which was contradictory of the earlier Teller law that the U.S had assured. The Platt Amendment placed strict conditions on Cubans in return for American retrieval. Ultimately, this amendment placed Cuba under American control even after U.S troops left. Cuba and Philippines were not the only territories that witnessed American take over. The war with Spain increased American spirits of war and imperialism and in 1898 the U.S annexed Hawaii. Furthermore, the peace treaty that ended the war reflected American imperialistic attitudes. Through the Treaty of Paris in 1898 the U.S gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and got to keep the Philippines. The fact that the U.S sought to keep these territories under their possession but refuse to grant them constitutional rights (insular cases) went on to show that its intentions were not as noble as they seemed, but that imperialistic motives forced them to interfere for financial …show more content…
This unprecedented involvement demonstrated U.S desire and ability to protect financial possessions abroad. The Open Door policy, introduced by the U.S in 1899, granted equal trading privileges in China. Also, the building of the Panama Canal in 1903 was another huge gain for American enterprise. However, these successes did not come without consequences. Foreign spheres of influence in China provoked Chinese nationalists to rebel in 1900 (the Boxer Rebellion). Also the Panama Canal was preceded by conflict with Columbia and significant American involvement in Latin America which was at times viewed as an aggressive by peoples whose homelands were being tampered with. Acquisitive Americans would go on to learn that pursuing financial gains was often followed by global resentment. Roosevelt’s Big Stick Diplomacy was followed by William Howard Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy in 1909. Taft’s foreign policy seemed more upfront to true American motives: promoting U.S trade by supporting American enterprises abroad. But this did not mean problems with global powers would be avoided. Taft’s interaction with other international powers was often controversial. His continuing attempt to invest in China and Latin America had little support as problems that came with global interference created a growing anti-imperialistic attitudes in the