AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Early 20th Century Foreign Policy (Day 224/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Early 20th Century Foreign Policy as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

“Declined with Thanks,” Wikimedia Commons

In the early 20th century, the U.S. shifted from their long tradition of isolationist foreign policy to one of intervention as presidents sought to become a major player on the world stage.

“Putting his foot down,” Wikimedia Commons

President McKinley enacted the Open Door Policy to ensure equal trading rights in China for all nations, seeking to prevent exclusive spheres of influence.

Theodore Roosevelt and His Big Stick in the Caribbean, Wikimedia Commons

Associated with President Teddy Roosevelt, the Big Stick Policy emphasized diplomacy backed by military power, expressing the idea "speak softly and carry a big stick" to assert American influence in international affairs.

Roosevelt Corollary, Wikimedia Commons

Additionally the Roosevelt Corollary was an extension to the Monroe Doctrine, asserting the right of the U.S. to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and prevent European intervention.

“See the Point? The Pen is Mightier than the Big Stick,” Ohio History Connection

Under President Taft, Dollar Diplomacy sought to advance U.S. economic interests abroad by using American financial power instead of the military to maintain influence abroad.

“Woodrow Wilson, The School Teacher,” Granger Historical Prints

Implemented by President Wilson, Moral Diplomacy emphasized promoting democracy overseas, only supporting governments that aligned with American ideals.

Several new foreign policies in the early 20th century demonstrated both the shift in U.S. foreign policy to interventionism and the desire to emerge as a world power.

Join me tomorrow as I explain U.S. Neutrality and Entry into World War I in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!