Foreign Policy - Doctrines Passed Flashcards
Monroe Doctrine (1823).
Asserted that the Western Hemisphere was off limits for further European involvement, and any direct interference would be interpreted by America as hostile.
Manifest Destiny.
Wide-held belief that it was Eastern American’s God-given right to expand across the North American continent, from Atlantic to Pacific (for example, the annexation of Oregon, Texas and California).
Open Door Policy (1899).
Proposed by timely Secretary of State, John Hay, this policy ensured equal access to Chinese trade for all countries alike, preventing any monopolising of Chinese markets.
Roosevelt Corollary (1904).
Expanded upon the Monroe Doctrine, permitting and justifying US military intervention in Latin America to maintain political stability and to protect US economic interests.
Dollar Diplomacy (1909-1913).
Promoted by President Taft and his Secretary of State Philander C. Knox aiming to promote foreign US economic interest (particularly in Latin America/East Asia) through capital investment into foreign stability/infrastructure projects to raise American influence.
Wilsonian Idealism.
President Wilson’s promotion of democracy, self-determination and international cooperation, particularly during WW1 and subsequent peace negotiations. Vastly inspired the League of Nations (which the US never joined).
Fourteen Points (1918).
Part of Wilsonian Idealism, Wilson outlined his post-war vision in to 14 points based on principles such as self-determination, free trade, disarmament and the establishment of the League of Nation to prevent future conflicts. Not all of the 14 points were ratified, although they did lay the groundwork for future American diplomacy and the Treaty of Versailles.
League of Nations Covenant (1919).
Convention of collective security and international cooperation was greatly influencial on American foreign policy for years to come.
Interwar Isolationism.
Greatly pressured by American citizens following the first World War and led to the establishment of the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s.
Good Neighbour Policy.
Introduced by President FDR, aiming to improve relations with Latin America by renouncing interventionist policies and promoting mutual respect.
Atlantic Charter (1941).
Introduced collaboratively between FDR and British PM Winston Churchill outlining the Allies’ goals for war and post-war discussions. Focussed on freedom of the seas, economic cooperation and disarmament.
Lend-Lease Act (1941).
Passed by Congress, authotrising military/supply aid to allied countries without immediate compensation. This was the first official major break in neutrality, eventually leading to full US involvement in WW2.
Truman Doctrine (1947).
Introduced by President Truman, outlining a policy of containment against Communism, particularly in Europe. Committed economic/military aid to countries at threat from Communism, for example, Turkey and Greece.
Marshall Plan (1948).
Ambitious economic program aimed at rebuilding war-torn Western Europe (and fighting Communism) by providing billions of aid to promote stability, recovery and the expansion of Democracy.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (1949).
Military alliance between the USA, Canada and several European nations aimed at collective defence against the Soviet Union and its allies.
