Evaluate the extent to which the United States’ foreign policy fostered change politically and diplomatically from 1900 to 1941. (APUSH)
By josephrioux
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Hay-Pauncefote Treaty
This treaty created an agreement between the US and Britain. In this treaty it was stated that the US could create a canal in Southern America, as long as Britain could use it as well. This was the beginning of a more cordial and diplomatic relationship between the US and Britain. -
Roosevelt Corollary
This was Roosevelt declaring that if any eastern countries were to meddle in the affairs of a western country, the US would get involved and police the situation. This was meant to maintain peace and in the west. -
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Dollar Diplomacy
Dollar Diplomacy was encouraged by President Taft. It was the investing in other countries economies to strengthen the US' ties with them, as well as ensuring their financial stability. (if they are stable they are less likely to engage in an unnecessary conflict) -
The Sussex Pledge
This was Germany's attempt at making what they were doing with submarine warfare alright. It stated that Germany wouldn't sink unarmed ships without warning. This was good except for a few lurking caveats hidden in the pledge, along with Germany's distaste for following rules. -
The Zimmerman Telegram
This was Germany's attempt to take the US out of the war before they ever entered it. They wanted to have Mexico begin a war, in return for which they would gain back the land that they had lost. This was all unsuccessful as the British intercepted it and alerted the US. It was a turning point for America, it forced them to change their views on entering the war to protect themselves from the possibility of being attacked. -
Washington Disarmament Conference
This conference was a meeting between world powers to discuss the reduction of navies. From it came the 4, 5, and 9 power treaties. All of these took some part to ease world tensions and lower the risk of another war. -
Dawes Plan
The goal of the Dawes plan was to stimulate the global economy. This was to be done by giving Germany money to repay their war fees, and the countries that Germany gave that money to would then give it back to the US (with interest). The intention was to foster growth, but this didn't occur. -
Hawley-Smoot Tariff
The tariff was raised to 60%, a massive increase to anything prior to it. This means that some imported goods were taxed at 60%, which resulted in European nations to take recourse and place higher tariffs on American goods. The ultimate effect of the tariff was the shrinking of the global economy, and the worsening of the depression. -
Stimson Doctrine
This doctrine was the US stating that they would not recognize any land acquired by means of force. It was issued in response to Japan invading Manchuria. Japan paid it no attention and invaded Shanghai next. -
Montevideo Convention
This was the beginning of the Good Neighbor Policy with Roosevelt. Roosevelt wanted to show that the US was civil, and didn't have to act like other barbaric countries that had to hold land all over the place. -
Tydings-McDuffie Act
This act provided the Philippines their independence by 1946. This further established America as an isolationist country. Not only was the US limiting interaction with other countries, it was cutting ties with some of its own territories. -
Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act
This act said that the US could lower tariffs against a country if they also lowered their tariff against the US. It was a move towards escaping the Great Depression as it allowed for an increase in the circulation of goods around America and the world. -
The Neutrality Act
This act stated that the US would not ship arms when war broke out. It also strongly urged citizens not to travel through warring zones, as they did so at their own risk. -
The repeal of the Neutrality Act of 1939
This marked a true turn in America's stance in the war. Due to German U-boats sinking US supply ships meant for Britain, congress repealed the Neutrality Act, allowing US shipping ships to be armed. -
Lend-Lease Bill
Congress passed this bill out of fear of the collapse of Britain. (Britain is a sort of barrier to the rest of the world for the US). This bill allowed the US to send arms to Britain so that they may fight. The arms that were lent were to be sent back following the war. This marked the end of neutrality.
