Expansionism Monroe Doctrine

Emergence of U.S. Expansionism

Powers of Europe struggling for spheres of influence in the new world Newly independent U.S. figuring out its foreign policy Washington: No “entangling alliances” with Europe Idea that U.S. was unique, with no imperial motivations Hamilton: U.S. should take advantage of European conflicts. U.S. as “embryo of a great empire.” Senator Rufus King: “I am entirely convinced that if it [South America] and its resources are not for us…that they will speedily be against us…”

Agreement in U.S. that the Spanish colonies should remain in the hands of Spain Issue of Latin American independence movements Might ally with England or France Instability might lead to European intervention “We consider their interests and ours as the same, and that the object of both must be to exclude all European influence from this hemisphere.” – Thomas Jefferson

The Monroe Doctrine, 1823 Any European attempt to gain territory in the Americas would be considered an unfriendly act toward the United States

Two themes of U.S. hegemony in Latin America: 1. Territorial Expansion 2. The Gospel of Democracy

1. Territorial Expansion Mexico and the issue of Texas 1835: Texan rebellion of independence

The Battle of the Alamo

Santa Anna

Texas gained independence in 1837 Annexed by U.S. in 1845  U.S. Mexican War Mexico lost Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo + Gadsden Purchase

“It is scarcely possible to resist the conviction that the annexation of Cuba to our federal republic will be indispensable to the continuance and integrity of the Union itself.” --J.Q. Adams

Policy of acquisition of territory in the 19th century shifted to one of creating a sphere of influence. Issue of European domination of Caribbean

Pan-Americanism: (ostensibly) to prevent war in the Americas U.S. suggested a common hemispheric tariff on trade with countries outside hemisphere Rejected out of fear for sovereignty and U.S. motives. Commercial Bureau of the American Republics Pan-American Union Organization of American States

“….a new Monroe Doctrine, not of political principles, but of commercial policy. Instead of laying down dogmas, it figures up profits.” The Commercial Advertiser, 1898.

A free trade zone from Canada to Argentina? Preposterous !

Venezuela vs. the British Washington as arbitrator British recognized U.S. pre-eminence

Where’s the ideology?!? “We should become the center of a system which would constitute the rallying point of human freedom against the despotism of the Old World. About the countries of Latin America: if our Government would take the lead and recognize them, they would become yet more anxious to imitate our institutions, and to secure to themselves and their posterity the same freedom which we enjoy.” --Henry Clay, 1818

“The [Mexican] race is perfectly accustomed to being conquered, and the only lesson we shall teach is that our victories will give liberty, safety, and prosperity to the vanquished, if they know enough to profit by the appearance of our starts. To liberate and ennoble—not to enslave and debase—is our mission.” --Moses Y. Beach, editor, of the New York Sun (1848-1868)

Three audiences: 1. Domestic society Noble cause to mobilize resources 3. Europe Your cause is less noble than ours so stay out. 5. Latin America Come join us/get with the program

I fear the degrading ignorance into which their priests and kings have sunk them, has disqualified them from the maintenance or even knowledge of their rights, and that much blood may be shed for little improvement in their condition.” --Thomas Jefferson, 1811

Take up the White Man's burden, And reap his old reward-The blame of those ye better The hate of those ye guard-The cry of hosts ye humour (Ah, slowly!) toward the light:"Why brought ye us from bondage, Our loved Egyptian night?

Take up the White Man's burdenYe dare not stoop to less-Nor call too loud on Freedom To cloak your weariness. By all ye will or whisper, By all ye leave or do, The silent sullen peoples Shall weigh your God and you.

Take up the White Man's burden! Have done with childish days-The lightly-proffered laurel, The easy ungrudged praise: Comes now, to search your manhood Through all the thankless years, Cold, edged with dear-bought wisdom, The judgment of your peers.

Take up the White Man's burden— Send forth the best ye breed-Go, bind your sons to exile To serve your captives' need; To wait, in heavy harness On fluttered folk and wild— Your new-caught sullen peoples, Half devil and half child.

Take up the White Man's burden– In patience to abide, To veil the threat of terror, And check the show of pride, By open speech and simple, An hundred times made plain, To seek another's profit And work another's gain.

Take up the White Man's burden-The savage wars of peace-Fill full the mouth of Famine, And bid the sickness cease; And when your goal is nearest (The end for others sought) Watch sloth and heathen folly Bring all your hope to nought.

Take up the White Man's burden-No iron rule of kings, But toil of serf and sweeper-The tale of common things. The ports ye shall not enter, The roads ye shall not tread, Go, make them with your living And mark them with your dead.