IMPERIALISM UNDER ROOSEVELT AND WILSON
Roosevelt- Became President after McKinley’s assassination in 1901
1904- War breaks out between Russia and Japan
-Russia and Japan both imperialist nations themselves
-Fighting for control of Korea
Japan launched surprise attack on Russian Pacific fleet and destroyed it; won battles securing Korea and Manchuria.
PROBLEM: Japan is running out of money and men; didn’t want Russia to learn of their problems
-Japan appeals to Roosevelt asking him to mediate peace agreements
1905: Roosevelt, Russians, Japanese met in New Hampshire
-Roosevelt convinces Japan to accept half of Sakhalin Island (off coast of Siberia) and forego the cash payment that they demanded from Russia
-Russia agreed to let Japan control Manchuria and Korea
-Roosevelt’s efforts won him 1906 Nobel Peace Prize
Panama Canal
America and Britain had always believed that travel time needed to be shortened between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Late 1800’s French Co. had attempted to build canal; after 10 years gave up and persuaded US to buy the land for $40 Million.
-US had to receive permission from Columbia (owned the land); Columbia refused to negotiate
-US-backed Panamanian Rebellion against Columbia occurs; Panama declares independence
-15 days later- Treaty is signed; US pays Panama $10 Million plus $250K/year rent for land across Panama
- Resulted in Construction of Panama Canal
Panama Canal Construction
-Work began in 1904; Completed in 1914
-43,000 Workers Employed
-5,600 died from accidents or disease
-Cost to US: $380 Million
Problem in Latin America: Many Latin-American countries were financing their economy through loans made by European Countries
-Roosevelt fearful that if L.A Countries default on loans, Europeans may intervene
-Roosevelt reminded Europeans of Monroe Doctrine (Europe stay out of W. Hemisphere Affairs)
-Roosevelt Corollary: Warning to Europe that disorder in L.A. might force the US to exercise their right to act as international police officer
William Taft- extended US involvement in Latin America by implementing dollar diplomacy
-Use of US government to guarantee loans made to foreign countries by American businessmen
-US paid for Nicaragua to avoid bankruptcy; sending troops in as well
Woodrow Wilson- continued to strengthen definition of Monroe Doctrine by implementing “Missionary Diplomacy”
-US has moral responsibility to deny recognition to any Latin American government it viewed as “oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to US interests.”
-Pressure on Western Hemisphere to implement democratic governments
Mexican Revolution will put the “Missionary Responsibility” in to action.
-During late 1800’s-early 1900’s Mexico was ruled by Porfirio Diaz; a dictator
-Diaz allowed US to invest in Mexican wells, mines, railroads, ranches, etc.
-RESULT: Investors wealthy; common people of Mexico very poor
1911- Revolution led by Francisco Madero overthrows Diaz
-Madero promised democracy; was unable to do so
-2 years later, General Victoriano Huerta took control of government; Madero murdered shortly after
-Wilson: Violation of “Missionary Diplomacy”
Wilson waited for opportunity to attack Mexico; “watchful waiting”
April 1914, Huerta’s officers arrest small group of Americans; quickly apologize
-US sends troops to occupy Veracruz
-18 Americans, 200 Mexican die during Veracruz operation
-US and Mexico were close to war; Argentina and Brazil stepped in to mediate conflict
-Huerta regime collapses eventually; Venustiano Carranza becomes President in 1915
Carranza- not popular with all Mexicans
Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata- Mexican rebels who opposed Carranza’s provisional government
-Villa appeared friendly toward America until Carranza’s appointment
-January 1916: Villa’s men took American engineers off of train in Mexico; shot them
-Columbus, New Mexico: Villa raided and killed 17 Americans
Wilson: sends 15,000 soldiers to Mexico to capture Villa; Villa eludes for nearly a year
-150,000 National Guardsmen were stationed at the border
-Villa not assassinated until 1923