Isolationism

Question 1

What is isolationism?

Where USA Isolationist?

Answer 1

Focusing only on your own country and not becoming involved in foreign affairs

The USA defended by Pacific Ocean, and because of its size, was self-sufficient

Stood for liberty and felt the obligation to act morally

Question 2

How ISOLATIONIST was America’s naval expansion?

______ discovered that only ___ out of 140 ships were functional

_______ advocated _______ and encouraged the building of ______, ______ and ________

Answer 2

How ISOLATIONIST was America’s naval expansion?

William Hunt discovered that only 42 out of 140 ships were functional

Alfred Thayer Mahan advocated naval expansion and encouraged the building of new ships, bases in the Caribbean and a canal cutting across Latin America

Question 3

What conference happened in 1881 and what was discussed?

Answer 3

PAN AMERICAN CONFERENCE 1881
- Politicians expressed an interest in South
America
- Hoped that America would benefit from its trade links
- This was slightly colonial

Question 4

ALASKA
Brought from ______ in ___ for $___ because….
(Give 3 reasons)

Answer 4

ALASKA
Brought from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million because….
- Alaskan harbours provide gateway to Asia so ships could refuel
- Expanded US coastline and kept British out
- Maintain relations with Russia

Question 5

Why was PEARL HARBOUR important?

Answer 5

A useful trading for ships and for trading

- This is quite colonial

Question 6

What was the MONROE DOCTRINE?

How isolationist or imperialist was it?

Answer 6

MONROE DOCTRINE 1823
(President James Monroe and his Secretary of State John Quincy Adams)
Stated that…
- US would avoid European wars
- American continents may not be colonised by any European powers
- Any such attempts regarded as ‘unfriendly act’

This was extremely isolationist

Question 7

How were relations with Britain and Canada?
Who controlled Canada?
What did America ask for?
However…

Answer 7

BRITAIN AND CANADA
(Britain controlled Canada)
- Strained relationship after they had supported confederate states during the civil war
- US demanded either $2 billion or Canada
- However, Canada became independent in 1867
Quite imperial

Question 8

What year was the BURLINGAME TREATY and what did it state?

Answer 8

BURLINGAME TREATY 1868
An important treaty between China and America, amending the unequal Treaty of Tientsin and formally establishing friendly relations between the two
Promoted trade with China, endorsed free movement and trade, encourage Chinese immigration for building of the railways
A fairly isolationist policy in pursuit of peace, whilst simultaneously improving trade links