Us Foreign Policy 1898-1917

Imperialism is in the roots and foundation of the United States, the country initially began with 13 diminutive colonies on an enormous continent, and slowly expanded to take over half the continent. In the time period 1898-1917 the United States pursued an aggressive foreign policy. In that same time period the United States gained 8 territories. So it is quite clear what the intentions of the United States’ aggressive foreign policy were; Imperialism, and showing the world the United States was no longer pursuing Isolationism. The transition from the peaceful bystander, to the powerful imperialistic nation, the United States initiated when the country aided Cuba in the Cuban War for Independence by providing Cuba with wartime supplies. However when you go around aiding rebellions, you are bound to make enemies. Spain was apoplectic at the United States for indirectly helping

In 1899, secretary of state John Hay sent notes to major European powers, stating that China would be open to trade with all nations, equally rather than to specific countries. This was a way of showing Europe that after the Spanish-American War the United States would no longer stand aside and watch European powers control trade in Asia. Britain and Germany backed the United States’ open door policy. The Box Rebellion was another example of the United States’ changed policy on involvement in foreign affairs. In 1901 when the Boxers (Chinese citizens attempting to expel westerner influence and Christianity) took over the capital, Peking; the United States intervened by sending in American troops who then subdued the uprising. Showing that the United States was willing to get involved in foreign affairs to help its