Becoming A World Power

1
Becoming A World Power

• Foreign Policy from the Civil War to the end of
  the19th Century

2
Sewards Folly

• Purchases Alaska from Russia for 7.2 million in
  1867
• Also called Sewards Iceboxpeople fail to see
  its value
• Resolves dispute between Russia and Britain
• Seward had also previously prevented a French
  takeover by Napoleon III of Mexico during the
  Civil War

3
The New Imperialism

• By late 19th century, US needs
• worldwide markets for industrial and agricultural
  surpluses
• New sources of raw materials for manufacturing
• Conservatives saw new expansion as a safety valve
  to relieve labor tensions, violence, and unrest
  of farmers

4
International Darwinism

• US had to demonstrate its strength by acquiring
  overseas territories
• Expansion of the idea of manifest destiny
• Competition included Britain, France, Germany,
  Russia, Japan
• Who advocated expansion?

5
Advocates of New Imperialism

• Missionaries
• Led by Rev. Josiah StrongProtestant Americans
  are the fittest
• Christian duty to spread Western Civilization
• Racial superiority of whites

• Naval Power
• Alfred Thayer MahanThe Influence of Sea Power
  Upon History (1890)
• Congress finances construction of a steel navy,
  acquire new Pacific territories as coaling and
  supply stations
• US has worlds 3rd largest navy by 1900

• Popular Press
• Circulation increased with adventure stories
  about exotic places
• Stimulated demands for larger US role in the world

• Politicians
• Republicans allied with business leaders
• Henry Cabot Lodge, Teddy Roosevelt

6
First Involvement in Latin America

• James G. Blaine, Sec of State under Benjamin
  Harrison, wanted closer ties with Southern
  neighbors
• Idea dating back to Monroe Doctrine of 1820s
• First Pan-American Conference in 1889
• Wanted lower tariff rates, failed
• But, foundation for hemispheric cooperation
  established
• Becomes Organization of American States in 1948

7
Britain and the US Make Nice

• Monroe Doctrine put to the test in Venezuela and
  British colony of Guiana in 1895-96
• President Cleveland, Sec. of State Richard Olney
  want to arbitrate the matter
• Brits say that its not the business of the US
• US said military force would be used if necessary

• Win-Win for the US
• Britain agrees, citing the fact that long-term
  relations with US more important
• Arbitrators rule mostly in their favor anyway
• Latin American nations appreciate US protection
  from European domination
• US-British alliance key to the coming century