United States Foreign Policy

1. United StatesForeign Policy

2. What is foreign policy? • A nation’s plan in dealing with other countries • Defined goals and objectives on how a country will interact with other countries • In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned the United States against forming permanent alliances (we did NOT listen)

3. Who creates foreign policy in the United States? • As Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, the President is responsible for foreign policy. • He (or she) receives help from many of his advisors. • The President negotiates treaties that are ratified by the Senate. • The Secretary of State is the foreign minister. • Congress has the power to declare war.

4. Monroe Doctrine • 1823 – stated that European nations should stay out of the Western Hemisphere • In return, the U.S. would stay out of European affairs • Under Pres. James Monroe but largely the work of Sec. of State John Quincy Adams • The U.S. considered any attempt at colonization a threat to national security.

5. Spanish-American War • President William McKinley declared war on Spain in 1898 • Causes: • Humanitarianism • Economic Interests • Yellow Journalism • DeLome Letter • Sinking of the Maine

6. Spanish-American War • Results: The United States became an increasing, world power after this war. • Treaty of Paris – US acquired Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines ($20 million) • Protectorate status over Cuba • U.S. turned to imperialism to compete with European nations

7. Roosevelt Corollary or “Big Stick Policy” • When Theodore Roosevelt became President, he issued this “extension” of the Monroe Doctrine by claiming that the U.S. would be the international police power in Latin America. • “Speak softly but carrying a big stick” • Not a popular foreign policy for isolationists in the United States.

8. Roosevelt Corollary or “Big Stick Policy” • Dominican Republic – repay debt to Europe • Panama Canal • Left feelings of ill will and distrust of the United States in Latin America • FDR tried to improve relations with the Good Neighbor Policy

9. Woodrow Wilson – World War I • Fourteen Points – Woodrow Wilson’s plan for world peace; included the formation of a League of Nations • Treaty of Versailles – the Senate refused to ratify this treaty because of the provision that included membership in the League of Nations

10. Harry S Truman – Atomic bomb • Dec. 7, 1941 Japan bombed Pearl Harbor • FDR placed Japanese-Americans in internment camps • After defeating Italy and Germany, FDR and then Truman, had tremendous difficulty getting Japan to surrender. • Japan had kamikaze soldiers who were willing to die for their country.

11. Manhattan Project • Secret plan (even VP Truman did NOT know about it) to build an atomic bomb • Tested in New Mexico • Truman was faced with the possibility of MAJOR US casualties if he continued conventional approach (island hopping) • Dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (Aug. 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (Aug. 9, 1945)

12. LBJ – Vietnam War • 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident – two U.S. warships allegedly attacked of the coast of Vietnam • Gulf of Tonkin Resolution – provided the Pres. to use armed force without a declaration of war (only TWO votes against) • 1973 War Powers Act – under Nixon, restricted the right of the President to use the military • Must notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops; can only do so for 90 days w/o declaration of war