Isolationism $.A.F.E

Monroe Doctrine

Open Door

Area of World

Europe

Western hemisphere

Asia

Year Established

1793, 1796

1823

1899-1900

Author

George Washington

James Monroe

John Quincy Adams

John Hay

Background

Proposed when England and France went to war 1793

Both countries expected our help

U.S. had an alliance with France from Revolution

U.S. feared Spanish recolonization in South America

U.S. feared Russian colonies on west coast of U.S.

England wanted to be a partner in issuance; U.S. said no to dual authorship

After Spanish War (1898) U.S. became interested in China

Europeans were already in China and had created trading spheres of influence that could exclude U.S.

Elements

Neutrality in European affairs

No entangling military or political alliances for U.S.

Europe/U.S. have separate spheres of interest

Commercial relations maintained

No new colonies in Western hemisphere.

Existing colonies left alone by U.S.

Isolationism from Europe reinforced from earlier foreign policy pronouncements

Discouraged extension of monarchies into Americas

All nations share equal trading rights in China

All countries must guarantee China’s territorial integrity

Comments

In 1796 Washington’s Farewell Address reinforced ideas

Resulted in war in 1812, 1917

Established a policy that lasted until 1949 when U.S. joined NATO

Cited as reason to oppose League of Nations in 1919

England enforced doctrine for 70 years

Roosevelt Corollary (1904) strengthened it

U.S. became policeman of Caribbean

“Big Stick” to keep down “chronic wrongdoing”

Later became “Dollar Diplomacy” to control of the Caribbean region

U.S. aggressiveness alienated many South American countries

U.S. became protector of China, but mainly sought trade access

Boxer Rebellion (1900) frightened U.S. because China’s territory might be divided by European powers

Japan became greatest threat to Open Door

When U.S. challenged Japan’s violation of Open Door, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor