The limits of foreign engagement and continuation of isolationism

• The limits of foreign engagement and continuation of isolationism


  USA was able to avoid entanglement in foreign issues for a variety of reasons:

  • Geographical position, far away from great powers of Europe, meant could avoid involvement in international issues.
  • USA felt unique in that it had been set up as a new republic, born out of rebellion against Britain, an imperial power: it had no desire to get involved w/ powers whose values it rejected.
  • Populated often by people seeking to escape persecution, who wanted to make a new start, not become involved in affairs of countries they left.
• The limits of foreign engagement and continuation of isolationism


  The continuation of the Monroe Doctrine

  1823 President Monroe issued his doctrine, waring European powers against involvement in affairs on American continent. At time this was largely cos countries in Latin and South America were fighting for independence from Spain. But, was applied against French involvement in Mexico in 1866.
• The limits of foreign engagement and continuation of isolationism


  French involvement in Mexico

  While USA preoccupied w/ Civil War, the French established a puppet emperor, Maximillian, in Mexico supported by French troops. Led to rebellion by Mexican forces. Once Civil War was over, US Secretary of State William H. Seward demanded the French withdraw and moved 5,000 troops to Mexican border. The French acceded to demands, leaving Maximilian to his fate.
• The limits of foreign engagement and continuation of isolationism


  French involvement in Mexico 2

  But, Monroe Doctrine not applied consistently. USA did not prevent Britain from acquiring the colonies of British Guiana and Honduras in 1831 and 1832, and the Spanish maintained their control of Cuba until the end of the century.
• The limits of foreign engagement and continuation of isolationism


  How far isolationism was pursued

  In reality, USA had never strictly followed a policy of isolationism. Simply had too many interests. E.g., had gone to war w/ Mexico in 1840s to acquire vast stretches of territory north of Rio Grande, which were to become the states of California, Arizona and New Mexico.

  • William Seward pursued expansionist policies such as purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.
• The limits of foreign engagement and continuation of isolationism


  How far isolationism was pursued 2

  • Seward acquired uninhabited Midway islands in Pacific, 1867, originally to obtain supplies of guano for use in manu of gunpowder and fertiliser.
  • Congress blocked attempt in 1870 to acquire the Dominican Republican cos it saw no advantage from annexation.
  • 1884 - Republican leader Blaine advocated closer links w/ Latin America, especially for trade.
  • 1898 - acquired first major Pacific base in Pearl Harbor on Hawaii.
• The limits of foreign engagement and continuation of isolationism


  Britain

  USA had various disagreements w/ Britain noticeably over:

  • location of borders between Oregon territory and Canada, a British colony.
  • the perceived British support for Confederacy during Civil War. Indeed Britain was blamed for supplying South w/ cruisers which sank 100,000 tons of Northern shipping. Only in 1871 was dispute solved, w/ Britain agreeing to pat $15.5 mil compensation.
• The limits of foreign engagement and continuation of isolationism.


  East Asia

  Quick to recognise the potential of East Asia for trade, particularly after ports on western seaboard such as San Francisco were developed in 1840s: treaty w/ China in 1844 and Japan in 1857 opened up their markets. Burlingame treaty of 1868 endorsed free trade and free movement of people between USA and China, in part to stimulate Chinese immigration for work on railway building in USA; negated by Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 when legislators feared Chinese immigration was too high.