America as a World Power

1. What role did President Roosevelt play in ending the Russo-Japanese War?
President Roosevelt was looked as the "peace maker" in the ending of the Russo-Japanese War. Japan secretly met with President Roosevelt and asked him to meditate peace negotiations which is what he exactly did. He was able to persuade Japan to except half the island and forgo the cash payment when primarily they wanted Sakhalin Island as a whole. Roosevelt was able to leave both the Russians and Japanese happy, and his efforts won him the Noble- Peace Prize in 1906.

2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
Many Americans felt the need of a canal to reduce travel time for commercial and military ships by providing a shortcut between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. America before building the canal, needed to chose a route for building it. Between the two possible routes Panama (a province of Columbia) was best. But America before they could begin working on the Canal had to get permission from Columbia first.

3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
It stated that the United States would now use force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.

4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specfic)
When a 1911 rebellion in Nicaragua left the nation in near bankruptcy President William H. Taft, arranged for American bankers to loan Nicaragua enough money to pay its debts. In return the bankers were given the right to recover their money by collecting Nicaragua's customs duties. This policy was known as the Dollar Diplomacy, and this is how Taft used it to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua.

5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Woodrow Wilson claimed that the United States had a moral responsibility to deny recognition to any Latin American government it viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to U.S. interests. Immediately the Mexican Revolution put his policy to the test. In 1911 Mexican peasants and workers led by Francisco Madero overthrew Diaz (their military dictator) After 2 years General Huerta took over. Wilson referred to the government that Huerta formed as "a government of butchers." In 1914 April, when one of Huerta's officers arrested a small group of America sailors, the Mexicans quickly released them and apologized. But Wilson used this incident as an excuse to intervene Mexico. At least 200 Mexicans died during the invasion.

6. What were three major foriegn policy goals achieved by the United States in the early 20th century. Be sure to provide an example or two of each.
-Expanded its access to foreign markets in order to ensure the continued growth of the domestic economy. (ex. Panama Canal)
-The U.S. built a modern navy to protect its interest abroad.
-The U.S. exercised its international power to ensure dominance in Latin America. (ex. Roosevelt Colollary)