Chapter 1
Historical Foundations
of U.S. Foreign Policy
Introduction
The United States foreign policy has deep historical roots that have shaped its evolving approach to international relations over time.
This chapter will explore the early
founding principles and traditions that laid the foundation for U.S. foreign
policy as we know it today.
The Founding Principles
When the
United States declared its independence in 1776, it embarked on establishing
its place in the world guided by key tenets:
1.
Non-Entanglement: Avoiding entanglement
in European conflicts and wars was a primary principle early on. George
Washington famously warned against "entangling alliances" in his
Farewell Address, emphasizing neutrality.
2. Isolationism: In the early 19th century, the United States followed a policy of
isolationism, avoiding involvement in European affairs to focus inward on westward
expansion and territorial consolidation.
3. Monroe Doctrine: In 1823, President James Monroe articulated the Monroe Doctrine opposing
any European intervention in independent nations of the Americas. This marked a
significant assertion of expanding U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Manifest Destiny and Expansion
The concept
of "Manifest Destiny" was critical in 19th century U.S. foreign
policy, reflecting the belief that it was America's destiny to expand its
territory from coast to coast. This ideology drove policies such as the
Louisiana Purchase and westward expansion into Native American lands.
The Civil War and
International Recognition
The American
Civil War also had implications for U.S. foreign policy, as the Confederate
States sought recognition from European powers like Britain and France.
However, President Abraham Lincoln's diplomacy efforts helped prevent foreign
intervention, maintaining the unity of the United States.
The Emergence of Global
Power
The late 19th
century saw the United States emerge as an ascendant global power through
factors like industrialization, imperialism, and acquiring overseas territories
including Hawaii and the Philippines. This marked a shift toward more global
engagement.
"Big Stick
Diplomacy" Under Roosevelt
President
Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy approach, known as "Big Stick"
diplomacy, emphasized building up a strong U.S. military presence as a means of
negotiating with other nations from a position of strength. This influenced
events like the negotiation of the Panama Canal Treaty.
ü Conclusion
The early
historical foundations of U.S. foreign policy blended non-entanglement,
isolationism, expansionism, and emergence as a global power. These principles
and events established the groundwork that evolved into the complex modern
foreign policy landscape.
Up next we'll examine the profound impact of the Cold War era on American foreign policy.
The Evolution of American Power: A History of U.S. Foreign Policy
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