Becoming A World Power (Chapter 9)

Seems like the United States’ presence is found everywhere. Its status as a world power is certainly not something overstated. Their politics, economy, and social welfare are a concern for nearly every nation for, in one way or another, they are dependent on them. This all began in the 1890’s, with the mere reason of a nation producing more than they needed and soon broadening their chances. They began to pursue new international markets; through this the United States consolidated its place and power in the systematic functioning of the world. However, the behavior that the United States was presenting seemed all too familiar to some of its citizens. They were apprehensive, for the desire to become involved and supervising of other countries was an approach that they had to endure whilst being a colony. The danger of the US becoming or attempting to become a colonial power was something they couldn’t condone.

            The overproduction of agricultural as well as industrial goods in the United States placed a very large stress in its economy and motivated the creation of a foreign market. Coincidentally, this need to expand economically occurred at a time in which the major European powers were, as well, attempting to seize new territories around the globe. They were eager to join this chain of events. Citizens in favor of the expansion argued with Darwinist’s perspectives – claiming to be the most-favored nation, and the excuse of the survival of the fittest. Those against had a simple rebuttal: the fact that the economic expansion could bring about the risk of foreign entanglements.

            To give themselves advantage in Latin American lands, the United States created the Monroe Doctrine – which stated the their country was to be involved in whatever matters or issues may arise. This took the European chances within that territory and meshed them in the ground. The US took advantage of various incidents in Latin America to reaffirm the validity of the Monroe Doctrine, the Cuban Rebellion being an example. In fact, this particular rebellion in conjunction with the pressure to expand led to the Spanish-American War. As this war occurred, they were intervening in other parts of the Pacific; changing relationships with Hawaii, Somoa, and China – bringing upon territory and influence in their favor.

            Theodore Roosevelt is one of the main minds behind the US’ foreign policies. His involvement in these matters increased the power in his presidency. Under his command, he secured a strip of land in Panama on which he built the canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He also asserted the right of the US to use military forces to preserve peace in any neighboring nations. Roosevelt was forceful and nearly right handed when it came to this area of interest, where as his successor President Howard Taft preferred economic pressure than anything such as military forces which was Roosevelt preferred.

            The United States’ expansion was controversial. A large majority encouraged Roosevelt’s decisions, any movement that involved the mentality actions like the Monroe Doctrine were based on. Certainly, these moves were effective. In a short period of time the United States had a say in the behavior and peace-keeping of Latin America and had treaties with Hawaii, China, and the Phillipines. The negative opinions were present as well. The imperialist behavior displayed was something, they said, that went completely against the values upon which the US had been founded. Soon enough, though, the economic benefits, pride in growing power and the search for a new frontier through an economic expansion were far too appealing to the citizens.

Theodore Roosevelt. The main designer of the United States' foreign policy.