Foreign Policies
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Foreign policies after the civil war
After the civil war the United States reinforced its policy of isolationism. Isolationism is the act
of staying out of affairs and issues in other countries. That didnt last very long due to the industrialization. Industrialization motivated the American people and growing businesses to have relationships with other countries. In 1898 the United States became involved in foreign affairs. This required the US to develop foreign policies to use as a guide line with any interactions involving foreign countries. Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson were all presidents during this period of reconstruction, each with a different idea of foreign policies and the USs role in foreign affairs.
President Roosevelt wanted to influence the rest of the world to take on the way the United States operated and make become a global power. He had a strong belief that American ideals and values could benefit the whole world. Roosevelt said to “speak softly and carry a big stick” this was his way of trying to make the US a global power. He would use very good persuasion tactics by “speaking softly” to get other countries to give into his demands. If the country didnt fall for his soft speaking he would then use the “big stick” which is the same as forcing a country to cooperate. One of Roosevelts biggest successes in his presidency was the creation of the Panama Canal. Before the canal was built the US navy would have to travel a two month long journey from New York to San Francisco. The canal was purchased for 10 million dollars and 225 thousand dollars annually and cut the voyage an amazing 8000 miles, making it easier to travel from the Atlantic to the pacific.
Tafts main focus was to develop a better economic stand point in third world countries. Taft was more committed than Roosevelt to increase the amount of trade with foreign countries. Taft had a plan called the “dollar diplomacy” which pushed the us to have more investments in the Far East, central, and South America. Taft heavily promoted the sale of US products in foreign countries such as militarily supplies and industrial goods. Taft also used the US military to help third world countries from being over thrown by rebels. A lot of ideas from Tafts foreign policy were unsuccessful.
Wilsons main goal as president was not based on building the economy through trade and selling to foreign countries. Wilsons main goal was the spread of democracy throughout the world. One of Wilsons key ambitions was to create an international organization dedicated to keeping peace. Wilson was a very quiet and peaceful presidents. At the beginning of WWI, Wilson declared the US as neutral until Germany continued to slink American ships transporting