The “Big Stick”
America
1901- 1917
Why a Changes in Foreign
Policy?
 US new world power
 Foreign policy was a realm for President
to expand his power
Past Foreign Policy
The Monroe
Doctrine
T. R.’ s Foreign Policy Beliefs
 Civilized vs. Uncivilized
 Civilized – white, strong industrial strength
 Uncivilized – non white, raw materials
 Economic Relationship between the 2
was vital to both
 Therefore, civilized nation had right to
intervene.
NEW FOREIGN
POLICY:
ROOSEVELT COROLLARY
and
BIG STICK POLICY
The Roosevelt Corollary to the
Monroe Doctrine: 1905
.
Roosevelt Corollary:
The US will oppose and
use force if necessary,
to prevent European
intervention in the
Western Hemisphere
Chronic wrongdoing… may in America, as
elsewhere, ultimately require intervention
by some civilized nation, and in the
Western Hemisphere the adherence of
the United States to the Monroe
Doctrine may force the United States,
however reluctantly, in flagrant cases of
such wrongdoing or impotence, to the
exercise of an international police power
“Speak softly,
but carry a big stick.”
What is “The Big Stick”
Policy?
 In Latin America, US unwilling to share
trading rights, military control with any
other nations.
 Idea is to police the small debtor nations
that had unstable governments, so there
would be no intrusions from European
nations.
How are each of the following
examples of the “Big Stick” policy?





Great White Fleet
Venezuela
Panama Canal
Dominican Republic
Platt Amendment to Cuban Constitution
Taft’s “Dollar
Diplomacy”
Improve financial
opportunities for American
businesses.
Use private capital to
further U. S. interests
overseas.
Therefore, the U.S.
should create stability and
order abroad that would best
promote America’s commercial
interests.
Ex. Nicaragua
Progressing Foreign Policy
 Original Monroe Doctrine - warned
Europe from expanding influence in
Latin America
 Roosevelt Corollary – US has right to
exercise international police power in
Western Hemisphere
 1913, Wilson brought MORAL tone to
the Monroe Doctrine
Wilson’s “Moral Diplomacy”
The U. S. should
be the conscience
of the world.
Spread democracy.
Promote peace.
Condemn colonialism.
Despite US interests.
Examples of Wilson’s
Moral Diplomacy
 Dominican Republic
 Haiti
 Dutch West Indies
 Mexico