William Howard Taft

• Taft was TR Vice President and wins the Presidency when TR leaves office.

• Dollar Diplomacy- American foreign policy of extending its influence into Latin America by investing money in those areas.

• American Banks worked to take over Latin American debts thus making those countries obligated to the U.S.

“The diplomacy of the present administration has sought to respond to modern ideas of commercial intercourse. This policy has been characterized as substituting dollars for bullets. It is one that appeals alike to idealistic humanitarian sentiments, to the dictates of sound policy and strategy, and to legitimate commercial aims. It is an effort frankly directed to the increase of American trade upon the axiomatic principle that the government of the United States shall extend all proper support to every legitimate and beneficial American enterprise abroad.”-William Howard Taft, Dollar Diplomacy

How is this statement indicative of the expansion of federal powers?A. The US government will only permit the military to deal directly with foreign

nations in economic mattersB. The US government will continue laissez faire policies from earlier eras to

ensure that US companies can maximize profitsC. The US government will increase its hands off approach to allow American

industries to bar workers who join labor unionsD. The US government will ensure that its economic interests are protected

which will allow American companies access to foreign markets

Woodrow Wilson• Moral Diplomacy is a form of diplomacy

proposed by Woodrow Wilson.• Moral Diplomacy is the system in which

support is given only to countries whose moral beliefs are the same as that of the nation (the United States).– This promotes the growth of the nation’s

ideals and damages nations with different ideologies.

Moral Diplomacy continued…

• It was used by Woodrow Wilson to support countries with democratic governments and to economically injure non-democratic countries.

• This was primarily focused on Latin America but as years have gone on this has become a part of America’s foreign policy everywhere.

American Acquisitions during imperialism• Alaska-1867- The United States acquired Alaska as a territory

from Russia during this time period. Alaska served as a protective obstacle against Russian expansion and contained vast natural resources (specifically oil). On January 3, 1959 Alaska became the 49th U.S. state.

• Hawaii-1898- The United States acquired Hawaii because of its fertile soil and to serve as a refueling station for ships in the Pacific Ocean. In 1959, like Alaska, Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state.

• Puerto Rico, Guam, Samoa, Midway, Wake, and the Virgin Islands.

• All of these acquisitions contribute to the U.S. status as a major world power. This power will be proven in World War I.