The political and economic foreign policy developments of the United States in the 19th century - Essay Example

?Political and Economic Foreign Policy Developments of the United s in the 19th Century American foreign policy in the 19th century is illustrated as one that abstained from political and economic relations with other countries, as evidenced in the period between 1939 and 1942. Proponents of isolationism sought to preserve the freedom of action of the United States while maintaining cultural and economic interactions with other countries. As such, this led to the adoption of the isolationist doctrine that was precipitated by America's avoidance of the war in Europe.1 This policy highlighted the unwillingness of the United States to use force as a tool to resolve conflict. In this regard, the US heavily relied on diplomacy in the many fronts that faced it such as the naval disarmament in the pacific, German war reparations, instability in China and attempts to ease the impacts of war. The isolationist policy saw the US oppose the domination of the European continent by one nation, which the passing of laws in order to maintain neutrality. These laws sought to protect the economic interests as well as spare the country the ravages of war. However, the US was eventually dragged into the conflict on the realisation that the domination could one day be exalted by the dominating nation. The conflict between Britain and France created an economic crisis in the United States owing to the disruption of trade and the policy of neutrality. The nation had suffered the effects of conflict that faced other countries and the US was sucked into action to protect its interests. It was then that the policy was described as ineffective and the US economic growth, other intervention measures had to be adopted, in an effort to protect its interests.2 It is at this point that the nation reviewed its isolationism policy to adopt a more radical policy. Expansionism is described as the nation’s practice or policy on territorial and economic expansion, which in the United States; saw the emergence of foreign markets. The emergence of foreign relations was beneficial to the US with regard to territorial advantage as well as economic benefits. Following the developments in the international scene, isolationism was no longer favoured as a viable policy and as such, expansionism was fully adopted as the United States foreign policy. Domestically, the expansionist idea sought the annexation of land far beyond the US territory. This move was not only geared to acquire land for agricultural use, but also to exert political dominance. The lands acquired were given to yeoman farmers and slave plantation owners in order to further the agricultural sector. The manifest destiny was based on the notion that American settlers were destined to expand their territory over the continent; with proponents arguing that it was a divine call to expand from the sea to sea. Although there were no clearly defined principles to guide the idea, it received enormous support from the democrats who used it to justify various decisive actions. Through the notion of manifest destiny, the United States was driven by the temptation of world power and political supremacy, which sought to consolidate the position it held.3 As a result, territorial expansion into foreign areas was seen as moral obligation in an effort to spread American democracy the world over. Initially, the quest for land collided with the Mexican authorities over Texas, California, and other western territories. As such, two wars were fought in the 19th century that were both in favour of land expansion and they include the Mexican war and the Spanish-American war. During the Mexican war, the US authorised several military operations to the test Mexican hold and control over these lands. The US prevailed in the war, which saw the annexation of Texas while California and New Mexico were ceded to the US territory.4 Historians have always regarded the conflict as the pure aggression by the United States. The Spanish-American war was viewed as the US intervention to secure Cuban independence from Spain, which cites an example of the US actions to protect and preserve its economic interest, and this follows losses incurred by shipping firms following prolonged conflict between the Spanish government and Cuban revolters. The US economic interests in Cuba were highlighted by the construction of the Panama Canal, which eased international maritime trade. The US economic policy of industrial capitalism, therefore, is illustrated to have well defined connections to its foreign affairs policies. This is demonstrated by US open door policy, which is based on belief that the US exports are vital to the growth of its economy. Similarly, foreign policies are charged with the task of fostering foreign markets where favourable incentives are provided.5 The policies ensure that industries offered suitable working environments. It is for this reasons that the US ensures that diplomatic ties with most nations remain intact to protect economic interest with regard to exports. All the while, different military leaders shared different sentiments concerning the political and economic policies in the United States. Among the leaders are Admiral Alfred T Mahan and Major General Smedley Butler whose ideas seem to oppose each other despite the positions they held. Mahan was naval writer and historian who rose to become a key strategist of the 19th century through his concept of sea power. His concept suggested that nations with enormous and well-organised navies would greatly influence the world. As such, his work was used and referred to by many while creating navy forces, which led to a naval arms race in Europe in the 1890s. In addition, Mahan’s views saw the defeat of France by the British navy during their confrontation. This highlights his role in the US expansionism owing to knowledge on naval history and tactics. Similarly, Mahan was in support of the revival of the manifest destiny following naval superiority, a notion that required the establishment of defensive bases in the Caribbean and pacific by the US. In contrast, unlike Mahan, Butler was an efficient commander of men during his active years. His lectures criticised war profiteering and was opposed to what he described as US military adventurism. His views were echoed by his collaboration with a writer in a 1935 book titled War is a Racket where the book described capitalists’ greed during war.6 Despite his participation in expansionist campaigns, Butler was opposed to the exploitation in the newly acquired territory to benefit a few following a psychological manipulation. The Hearst newspapers are credited for fuelling the Spanish-American conflict into an all-out war. The articles published suggested that the Cuban people were mistreated by the Spanish and that their independence required the US intervention. Such articles swayed public opinion into supporting the US entry into the Cuban conflict. This was achieved through fabricated stories with claims that the government had the evidence to support the allegations. This is seen as the birth of yellow journalism that thrives on spreading little researched information to grasp public attention. Throughout this period, propaganda did not have negative connotations until it was associated with Germans in the events leading to the First World War. Both sides printed numerous posters to spread hatred towards their enemies and attract recruits for the war. Propaganda ensured that citizens in their respective countries shared the same sentiments as the government and as such, all forms of information were controlled. In this regard, the media printed as per the government’s orders to fuel hatred and emphasise on success in the campaigns. For instance, British newspapers were expected to publish lower casualty figures than the actual in order to maintain the sense of acceptance among the citizens. Bibliography Bauer, Karl Jack. The Mexican War: 1846-1848. Nebraska: U of Nebraska Press, 1974 Carlisle, Rodney and Goslon, Geoffrey. Manifest Destiny and the Expansion of America. ABC-CLIO. 2007. Doenecke, Justus 1982. American Isolationism, 1939-1941. The jourmal of Libertarian Studies. Vol VI.Nos.3-4 Meernik, James. Political Use of Military Force in United States Foreign Policy. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2004. Print. Roberts, Brad. New Forces in the World Economy. MIT Press. 1996. Schmidt, Hans. Excerpts from Maverick Marine: General Smedley D. Butler and the Contradictions of American Military History, University Press of Kentucky. 1987.Accessed 8 April 2013 http://coat.ncf.ca/our_magazine/links/53/butler01-by_schmidt.html Read More