Foreign Policy (whole course) Flashcards
When was the ‘Monroe Doctrine’ released?
1823.
Who was the ‘Monroe Doctrine’ released by?
It was released by the President at the time James Monroe and his Secretary of State James Quincy Adams.
What was the ‘Monroe Doctrine’?
It was a policy of isolationism, which said:
- America should avoid becoming involved in European wars unless US interests were involved.
- American continents were not to be colonised by European powers.
- Any attempts at colonisation would be regarded as unfriendly acts.
When were the Fenians established?
1858.
Who were the Fenians?
They were an Irish Republic organisation which were set up in the USA to fight for independence from Britain.
When were the Fenian Raids?
1866-1871.
What were the Fenian Raids?
Raids by Irish groups in American who wanted independence from Britain and tried to get a reaction from the British government by attacking the border of Canada, as Canada was allied with Britain.
How many Fenian Raids were there in total?
Five.
Why did the American government refuse to intervene in the Fenian Raids?
Britain and Canada were allies and America wanted payment from Britain for the damage to the Alabama Ship.
What happened with the Alabama Ship?
The Alabama was a Confederate ship which broke a blockade of Northern ships which were trying to stop the cotton trade during the war. Britain and Canada during the war had supported the South and had helped the Alabama ship to break the Northern ships, which caused tension between the US and Britain and Canada.
How much did the US demand from Britain for damages caused by the Alabama?
$2 billion.
How much did Britain pay the US for the damages caused by the Alabama?
$15 million.
When was the Alaska purchase?
1867.
How much was Alaska purchased for?
$7.2 million.
Who was responsible for the purchase of Alaska?
William Seward, Secretary of State.
From which country was Alaska purchased by?
Russia.
What were some of the nicknames for Alaska after the Alaska purchase?
- Seward’s Icebox.
- Seward’s Folly.
What did the Chicago Evening Journal say about the Alaska purchase (negative comment)?
They said Alaska “adds little productivity to the nation”.
What did the Chicago Evening Journal say about the Alaska purchase (positive comment)?
They remarked that the extension of Alaska to the US “more than doubles our Pacific coast”
What did the New York World say about the Alaska purchase?
They said the US had been sold “a sucked orange” by Russia (this was in reference to the fur trade, as most fur had been poached by the Russians).
Give some of the positives of the Alaska purchase.
- 1869, major gold deposit found in Yukon.
- Gateway to Klondike gold fields.
- Military base during World War II.
What year was the annexation of Midway Island?
1867.
Why did the US annex Midway Island?
For guano (fertiliser) and trade routes to the East.
What was US’ involvement in Mexico in Johnson’s presidency?
50,000 US troops sent to Mexico by Seward (Secretary of State) to get Napoleon to withdraw his forces from Mexico in their war with France.