The United States and East Asia

1. The United States and East Asia Chapter 14, Section 3

2. Filipinos Rebel Against U.S. Rule • While Filipinos saw the U.S. as allies during the Spanish-American War, they soon plotted to overthrow the U.S. rule. • They were led by Emilio Aguinaldo • They employed guerilla warfare tactics such as surprise raids and hit-and-run attacks, which they had also used on the Spanish. • The U.S. responded by imprisoning Filipinos. • In 1901, William Howard Taft became governor of the Philippines. • To ease tensions, he ordered the construction of schools, roads and bridges– things to improve the country.

3. The United States Pursues Interests in China • European countries saw China as a place of valuable resources. They broke China into spheres of influence, or assigned areas of trade. • The U.S. was not included in the assigning. • Secretary of State John Hay saw a need for U.S. trade with China, so he proposed an ‘Open Door’ Policy. • Under this policy, the U.S. would agree not to colonize China, but simply be able to trade with the country. • The Boxer Rebellion, between the Japanese and Chinese rebels created tension in the region.

5. Tensions Rise Between America and Japan • The Russo-Japanese War began when Japan became frustrated with Russian troops in the region of China known as Manchuria. • When the two countries went to war, the United States became involved. • President Theodore Roosevelt negotiated an end to the war, winning him a Nobel Peace Prize. • Roosevelt further brokered tensions with Japan after San Francisco schools attempted to segregate Japanese children. • In the Gentleman’s Agreement, the school board pledged to end its segregation policy if Japan restricted emigration from Japan.

6. Tensions rise Between America and Japan • In a demonstration of their growing Navy, Theodore Roosevelt sent 16 white battleships on a “good will cruise” around the world. • These ships were known as the Great White Fleet. • It was a clever demonstration of military power by the newly emerged imperial power.

7. The United States in Latin America Chapter 14, Section 4

8. U.S. Policy in Puerto Rico and Cuba • Puerto Rico remained under U.S. rule after the S-A War. The Foraker Act was passed in 1900 and established a civil government on the island. • Although Puerto Rico was a part of the United States, they could not enjoy the same privileges– in the insular cases, it was decided that Puerto Ricans had to pay taxes, but were not citizens. • Similarly, Cubans disliked the Platt Amendment because it restricted their freedoms, stating: • Had to have US consent to sign treaties; • Lease land for naval bases (Guantanamo Bay); • US had ‘right to intervene’ to uphold order.

9. Roosevelt Pursues “Big Stick” Diplomacy • In regards to foreign policy, Roosevelt adopted a belief that a strong military was needed to achieve goals. • This became known as “big stick diplomacy” from the African proverb “speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” • In 1903, the U.S. bought the rights to the Panama Canal from a French company. • Since Panama belonged to Colombia, they needed permission from the Colombian gov to build. • When the Panamanians rebelled for their independence, Roosevelt sent ships to back them. • Upon acquiring freedom, they purchased the Canal Zone for $10 million, and $250,000 annual rent.

10. Roosevelt Pursues “Big Stick” Diplomacy • When the canal was completed in 1914, it cut 8,000 miles off the trip from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. • When Latin American countries could not pay their debts, European countries began to occupy these countries. • In an effort to demonstrate regional power, Roosevelt updated the Monroe Doctrine by adding this corollary to it: • In the case of “chronic wrongdoing” (i.e debt) by a foreign nation, the U.S. could step in as a ‘police power’ and restore order. • It provided a basis for U.S. intervention.

11. Wilson Pursues Moral Diplomacy • When William Taft assumed the role of president, he continued the Open Door Policy in China and focused his foreign policy on trade. • Thus, he believed the way to interact and control another country was through the use of money, known as dollar diplomacy. • President Wilson’s foreign policy was even more different from Roosevelt’s than Taft’s. • Instead of territorial conquest, Wilson believed in promoting human rights and integrity in these countries, known as ‘moral diplomacy’. • However, both Taft and Wilson used the U.S.’ strong military when necessary.

12. Wilson Pursues Moral Diplomacy • One of these instances was in Mexico in 1914 to help pro-American Venustiano Carranza attain power. • When Mexican rebels, led by Pancho Villa, crossed the border into New Mexico and killed 18, Wilson sent troops after him, led by John J. Pershing. • Villa managed to evade Pershing for months, and eventually Wilson was forced to withdraw troops, with the onset of WWI.