Quiz Today
• Make sure you look over your Day 1 and 2
imperialism notes.
William Howard Taft
• Taft was TR Vice President and wins the
Presidency when TR leaves office.
• Dollar Diplomacy- American foreign policy of
extending its influence into Latin America by
investing money in those areas.
• American Banks worked to take over Latin
American debts thus making those countries
obligated to the U.S.
“The diplomacy of the present administration has sought to respond to
modern ideas of commercial intercourse. This policy has been characterized
as substituting dollars for bullets. It is one that appeals alike to idealistic
humanitarian sentiments, to the dictates of sound policy and strategy, and
to legitimate commercial aims. It is an effort frankly directed to the increase
of American trade upon the axiomatic principle that the government of the
United States shall extend all proper support to every legitimate and
beneficial American enterprise abroad.”
-William Howard Taft, Dollar Diplomacy
How is this statement indicative of the expansion of federal powers?
A. The US government will only permit the military to deal directly with
foreign nations in economic matters
B. The US government will continue laissez faire policies from earlier eras
to ensure that US companies can maximize profits
C. The US government will increase its hands off approach to allow
American industries to bar workers who join labor unions
D. The US government will ensure that its economic interests are protected
which will allow American companies access to foreign markets
Woodrow Wilson
• Moral Diplomacy- Moral Diplomacy is a form
of diplomacy proposed by Woodrow Wilson.
• Moral Diplomacy is the system in which
support is given only to countries whose
moral beliefs are the same as that of the
nation (the United States).
– This promotes the growth of the nation’s
ideals and damages nations with different
ideologies.
Moral Diplomacy continued…
• It was used by Woodrow Wilson to support
countries with democratic governments and
to economically injure non-democratic
countries.
• This was primarily focused on Latin America
but as years have gone on this has become a
part of America’s foreign policy everywhere.
American Acquisitions during imperialism
• Alaska-1867- The United States acquired Alaska as a territory
from Russia during this time period. Alaska served as a
protective obstacle against Russian expansion and contained
vast natural resources (specifically oil). On January 3, 1959
Alaska became the 49th U.S. state.
• Hawaii-1898- The United States acquired Hawaii because of
its fertile soil and to serve as a refueling station for ships in
the Pacific Ocean. In 1959, like Alaska, Hawaii became the
50th U.S. state.
• Puerto Rico, Guam, Samoa, Midway, Wake, and the Virgin
Islands.
• All of these acquisitions contribute to the U.S. status as a
major world power. This power will be proven in World War
I.