American Imperialism Dbq

As one of America’s earliest substantive positions on foreign policy, the Monroe Doctrine shaped the interactions of the US with foreign nations for over a century. While it possessed four tenets, its central message was clear: No foreign power would ever again be allowed to colonize in the Americas. At the time of the doctrine’s formulation, it was reflective of an anti-colonial sentiment prevalent in the young nation. Moreover, logic suggests that preventing foreign nations from re-colonizing the Americas ensures the security and independence of the United States. Unfortunately, the actions of countless later administrations would reek of hypocrisy and bullheadedness. This paper seeks to demonstrate why the rise of American imperialism is

He also wished to purchase Cuba (which he desired in order to protect slavery). Among feeble justifications for this expansionism were that Britain may have sought to take control of California and Texas, however such a conclusion was never backed by evidence. Polk’s overall message was clear: While European powers would no longer be allowed to assert influence in the Western Hemisphere, the United States would allowed to take their place. Accordingly, it had not solely a right, but also a duty, to do so. Much of Polk’s goals were eventually realized, with the U.S annexation of Texas, California, and much of the Oregon Territory.

America’s enlargement of influence in the hemisphere would only continue under president Theodore Roosevelt, through what became known as the Roosevelt Corollary. This Corollary was created in response to a crisis from 1902-1903, in which Britain in Germany did a naval blockade of Venezuela after the nation refused to pay its foreign debts. Roosevelt’s new foreign policy statement said that the United States had the right to exercise military force in Latin American countries in order to stave off European influence. This shift effectively sought to make America the police force of the western