Study GuideAmerican Government–Foreign Policy1.Background of American Foreign PolicyForeign policyrefers to the actions the United States takes to protect itsnational interests,security, and well-beinginternationally. These actions may involve maintaining a competitiveeconomy, defending borders, and promotingpeace, freedom, and democracyat home and abroad.Foreign policy is never static—it evolves in response to global and domestic circumstances.1.1Early American Foreign Policy: IsolaƟonism•George Washingtonwarned against foreign entanglements in his Farewell Address.•From theWar of 1812to theSpanish-American War (1898), the U.S. generally followed anisolationist approach, avoiding involvement in European conflicts.•Monroe Doctrine (1823): The U.S. would oppose European colonization in the Americas andnot interfere in European affairs.1.2The Spanish-American War and Expansion•Marked the emergence of the U.S. as aworld power.•Territories gained:Guam, Puerto Rico, Philippines;Hawaiiannexed separately.•Theodore Rooseveltintervened in Central and South America, supporting Panama'sindependence and overseeing construction of thePanama Canal.•Open Door Policy: Promoted equal trading rights for all nations in China.1.3World WarsWorld War I•U.S. entered in1917after three years of neutrality.•PresidentWoodrow Wilsonproposed theFourteen Points, but the U.S. never joined theLeague of Nationsdue to Senate opposition.Preview Mode
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