October 7-9

[6Jenna]

We went through forum posts. Then we talked about assigned blog and had blog discussion.

Key Topics:

Driving Idea: Describe US Foreign Policy in the late 1800's and early 1900's and be able to give examples.

•Imperialism- Expanding country because they need more resources. Empire building. Why do countries colonize? They are after power, world domination, supreme race, resources, money, land for naval bases. 

•Militarism- A country needs strong military power to succeed with imperialism.

•Nationalism- Loyalty and devotion to a country....patriotism. 

•Diplomacy- International relations.

•Spheres of influence- Powerful country has control over a weak area. 

•Protectorate- Powerful country that rules a weaker country.

•Arbitration- Settlement of dispute by a third party.

 

*Alfred Mahan- Helped plan American military. Studied at Columbia University for 2 years. Then fought in Civil War for Union side. Became professor at Naval War College in RI. Lectures were turned into book, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History. This helped shape American Military, More specifically a navy. Wanted to expand and take over islands. 

*Old vs. New Diplomacy- Old 1783-1800's- Non interventionist- US did not intervene in foreign affairs, especially Europe's. Isolationists- US acted alone in foreign affairs as compared to working with other nations. How we dealt with other countries. Passive and reactive- US waited for events to occur and then acted accordingly. Weak army and navy. New late 1800's to WW2- Imperialistic- going out and conquering territory to create an empire. Stronger army and navy. Interventionist- especially in Central and South America. Becoming more involved in other country's affairs. Strong nationalism- having strong pride and confidence in one's country. 

*Main powers in the late 1800's- Great Britain ,Germany, France, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Russia, United States, Ottoman Empire(Turkey), Japan. 

US purchase of Alaska - Russia had control of territroy in mid 18th century. After Korean war with British, needed to sell. Felt it would be conquered in future wars. Offered to US and Britain. Were going to make a deal to sell, but Civil War broke out. Was then put on hold. Bought for 7.2 million. Barely was passed by one vote. Bought from Russia. Wasn't officially state til 1959. 49th State. About 90 years later.

US taking of Hawaii - Queen. Buying sugar from them. Had McKinley tariff on that. Long time didn't have tariff. Queen Lilly. Sugar was under priced in America. Got mad and planned to overthrow government in Hawaii. Over threw Queen and annexed territory. Set aside land. Grover Cleveland was upset about what they did. Against it and wanted to annex it but didn't. Stayed american territory til 1959. Pretty much forced our way into Hawaii. 50th state. US imperialism.