1.     Perry & Japan (1854)

Commodore Perry uses “gunboat diplomacy” (i.e. uses cannons to open up trade) to force Japan to trade with US.

2.     Open Door Policy

1899: US Policy that China would be free to trade with all other companies (specifically the US).

3.     Boxer Rebellion

Chinese revolt against European countries.  Boxers defeated by a coalition of forces including US.  US returns the fine imposed on China, creating a long standing ally until WW2.

4.     Spanish American War

Causes of the War

Humanitarian,  Economic  ($100M in trade and $50M in plantations)

Yellow Journalism, De Lome letter:  stolen from Havana post office.  Written by Spanish minister in DC.  It belittled McKinley as weak and incompetent, Sinking of the Maine 1898:

5.     Yellow Journalism

William Randolph Hearst’s NY Journal & Joseph Pulitzer’s NY World.  Sensational coverage of the abuses by Spain in Cuba.  Leads to the Spanish American War.

6.     The Maine

Battleship The Maine blows up in Havana Harbor.  Spain is blamed for the explosion, last event before war.

7.     Treaty of Paris 1898

Cuba free

Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to US

Philippines sold to US for $20M

8.     Platt Amendment

Cuba included in their constitution.  It allowed US to intervene in Cuba to preserve Cuban independence and granted land for US naval base (Guantanamo Bay) and prevented Cuba from signing treaties w/other countries.

9.     Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

In cases of chronic wrongdoing by any Western Hemisphere Nation the US would exercise “international police power.”

10. Dollar Diplomacy

Offered US businesses in Caribbean full military and diplomatic support.  Leads to invasions of various LA countries to stabilize business climate.

11. Panama Canal

Roosevelt attempts to buy land, when that fails he stages a “revolution” in Panama that is assisted by US Navy.  New Gov gives land to US.  Canal important to maintain US naval power in Pacific.

12. US entry into WWI

Neutrality in European Affairs: Long standing tradition

Causes to enter war: 

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Germans sinking vessels on way to UK

Sinking of the Lusitania:  US citizens killed on British liner.

Sussex Pledge 1916: Promise to stop sub warfare by Germans—they continue

Anglo Bias:  US has more natural relationship w/England (culture and social)

Zimmerman Note (1917):  Note to Mexico offering to help invade US

Economic Interest:  UK bigger trading partner.

13. Espionage and Sedition Acts

This act made it a crime for a person to convey false reports or false statements with intent to interfere with the operation or success of the military or naval forces of the United States. The Sedition Act forbade an American to use "disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language" about the United States government, flag, or armed forces. (Schenk v. US)

14. WILPF

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom: Founded Jane Adams

International organization to try and help war victims and prevent a reoccurrence of war (pre-cursor to the League of Nations)

15. 14 Points

Wilson’s goals @the end of the war:

Freedom of the Seas, Free Trade, Arms reductions

Adjust colonies w/interests of native peoples, Readjust European borders w/ ethnic groups getting own homelands, Create a League of Nations (to create a forum for peace and solving disputes)

16. Treaty of Versailles

Treaty is based on Wilson’s 14 points.  It is rejected by the Senate, who didn’t want the US in the League of Nations.  Wilson’s health fails him when he is campaigning for it.  US rejected the treaty.  Good example of Checks and Balances in action, Pres makes treaty, Senate needs to ratify.

17. League of Nations

International organization to prevent a reoccurrence of war.  Fails due to inability of League to command military force and the US’s refusal to participate.