In 1914 Woodrow Wilson proclaimed U.S. neutrality, and asked the American people to remain "impartial in thought as well as deed." At the end of the war, some members of the government pushed to expand American influence but to also remain free of any commitments, a policy its critics referred to as isolationism
In your opinion, was U.S. policy in Asia and Latin America between from late nineteenth century to 1914 truly isolationist? Discuss and support your response.
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Full Answer Section
- The Open Door Policy (1899-1900): This policy aimed to secure equal trading rights for all nations in China, challenging European dominance in the region. It demonstrated U.S. interest in expanding its economic influence in Asia.
- Spanish-American War (1898): The US emerged from this war as a colonial power, acquiring territories like the Philippines and Puerto Rico. This expansion contradicts a purely isolationist stance.
- The Panama Canal (1903-1914): The US actively supported Panamanian independence from Colombia to facilitate the construction and control of the canal, a strategic move signifying economic and political interests beyond American borders.
National Archives Resources:
The National Archives' "Milestone Documents" list (https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/list) provides resources on these events, like the Monroe Doctrine, that demonstrate US involvement beyond isolationism.
Arguments for Limited Involvement:
- Focus on Domestic Issues: Rapid industrialization and social change in the late 19th century may have led some Americans to prioritize domestic concerns over foreign entanglements.
- Avoidance of Formal Alliances: The US did not enter into formal military alliances with any foreign power during this period, a characteristic of isolationism.
Conclusion:
U.S. policy in Asia and Latin America between the late 19th and early 20th centuries cannot be neatly categorized as isolationist. While the US avoided formal alliances, it actively pursued economic and political interests in these regions through doctrines, military interventions, and territorial acquisitions. This period reflects a more nuanced approach, focused on promoting American interests without formal entanglements.
Sample Answer
U.S. Policy in Asia and Latin America: Not Quite Isolationist
While the United States did avoid formal alliances in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its actions in Asia and Latin America suggest a policy more nuanced than pure isolationism. Here's why:
Elements of Non-Isolationism:
- The Monroe Doctrine (1823): This doctrine declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization. Though not an official alliance, it established a sphere of influence for the US in Latin America.