US Foreign Policy – HS 571

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

4 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

09/04/2009

Category :

Law & contracts

Sub category :

Administrative law

Oboulo.com selection criteria

$ 6.95 Add to cart

Summary :

Introduction
Policy of true imperialism
Booming of the American industry
Passage of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823
The conflict with Spain concerning Cuba
Conclusions of the Opium War in 1842
The Open Door Policy with China
Conclusion

Abstract

When the United States passed the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, the country gave warning to foreign nations that the Western Hemisphere shall be free from European imperialism. While the doctrine was passed on behalf of the rest of the Americas, it gave the US complete control over the foreign markets, giving United States businesses a monopoly over trade. During the period from the passage of this doctrine until the outbreak of World War I, the foreign policy of the United States was governed solely on the search for new markets. Diplomatic historian R.W Van Alstyne's thesis concerning the expansion of the country perfectly explains the policy of the US during this period. While not the only motive in each event of foreign policy economic expansion was the dominating theme. foreign policy examples such as the Spanish-American War, the Open Door Notes, and the Panama Canal all highlight the American desire for economic expansion. Furthermore, in each case this desire was supplemented by different moral and military obligations. Following this period of expansion the United States became a true power in all of the world's markets.