Full screen

Share

Show pages

start
Big Stick Diplomacy
Want to make interactive content? It’s easy in Genially!

Over 30 million people build interactive content in Genially.

Check out what others have designed:

Transcript

start

Big Stick Diplomacy

Overview

  • President Theodore Roosevelt took office during the Progressive Era with the intention of making changes.
  • At the start of his presidency in 1901, Roosevelt declared an end to the Spanish-American War, which left the governance of Cuba up to the United States.
  • America established a protective sphere over Cuba while maintaining a presence on the island.

Roosevelt insisted that a president must understand when it is appropriate to use force to persuade an opponent. By creating a strong and dependable defense and promoting the United States as a superpower, he believed that the nation would not be seen by other countries as a weak and easy target.

The fall of Cuba brought with it possession of several Spanish territories, including Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Wake Island. The United States also took control of Hawaii from its monarchy. With all of the technological advances made during the Gilded Age and Second Industrial Revolution, Roosevelt wanted the United States to become a superpower. He believed that the nation could easily increase its prestige and influence on an international level. It was his hope that by sharing American practices around the world, other nations would want to adopt similar ideals. Roosevelt’s most famous quote, which he attributed to a West African proverb, described his beliefs on diplomacy: “Speak softly, and carry a big stick.” His aggressive approach to foreign policy became known as “big stick diplomacy.”

Big stick diplomacy

When Roosevelt first came into office, the Philippine-American War was still under way, and guerrilla tactics were being used around the island. Many natives resented what they saw as America’s attempt at international domination. Revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo did not believe in this new imperialist effort of the United States. He refocused his efforts from battling Spain to fighting against the United States.

Accomplishments in the Phillipines and Panama

His guerrilla groups were extremely difficult to defeat, and before the United States could finally capture Aguinaldo, a combination of tactics had to be used. These included social improvement, pacification, and relentless strikes of the military. Roosevelt chose William Howard Taft to act as the first governor of the Philippines in 1901. Taft and his administration would create a civil government for the island and introduce the natives to new leadership.

Roosevelt became actively involved in foreign affairs. He wanted to bring the United States to the forefront of world politics and end the nation’s isolationist stance.

Big stick diplomacy (continued)

Venezuela and Santo Domingo both had issues arise in the early 1900s. Both nations could not repay their debts to other nations. Roosevelt immediately stepped in to solve both disputes and established the famous Roosevelt Corollary.

roosevelt corollary

This was a trip of some 14,000 miles. For years, the American military had pushed for a central passageway between the two oceans that would allow for easier travel. In 1901, Britain agreed to support the building of a canal in Central America. When politicians decided that Panama was the perfect location, they struggled to reach an agreement with Colombia. In an effort to get what it wanted, the United States gave money and naval support to Panama when it revolted against Colombian control.

One of the most noteworthy accomplishments of Roosevelt’s term was the construction of the Panama Canal. Up until the 1900s, getting from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific was long and time-consuming. An American ship going from New York City to San Francisco had to travel around the tip of South America.

Accomplishments in the Phillipines and Panama (continued)

to reach an agreement known as the Treaty of Portsmouth. The terms of this treaty dictated that the southern portion of Sakhalin Island would be ceded to Japan. Japan was still allowed to maintain its presence in Manchuria and Korea. While the Russians were not pleased to lose power in the region, they were content with not having to pay war costs. For his efforts in negotiating a peaceful conclusion between Russia and Japan, Roosevelt was given the Nobel Peace Prize. Theodore Roosevelt is still regarded as one of America’s most aggressive advocates of foreign policy. His efforts truly helped the United States become an international superpower.

Through the corollary, the United States agreed to police Latin American countries and intervene in the case of serious economic problems. This would protect smaller nations from becoming the prey of European nations. The goal of the Roosevelt Corollary was to maintain regional stability. While known for his aggressive stance on foreign affairs, Roosevelt was also sought out as a mediator. In 1904, after Japan attacked Russia at Port Arthur, war broke out between the two countries. The president got involved because he believed countries should consider negotiations before turning to war to solve problems. In 1905, Russia and Japan agreed to let Roosevelt serve as the official mediator.Through his efforts, Japan and Russia were able

roosevelt corollary (continued)

Next page

genially options