Territorial consolidation and tensions over Canada

• Territorial consolidation and tensions over Canada


  Consolidation of territory: Alaska

  1867 - USA purchased Alaska from Russia for sum of $7.2 mil - mainly to remove presence of Russia from the American continent. Many people at time couldn't understand motives or benefits - Alaska was referred to as 'Seward's Folly'. But he had ulterior motive - felt development of Alaskan ports might provide gateway to northern Asia, where US merchant ships could fuel and make provision for long voyage across Pacific Ocean. If necessary, could be used as useful base in event of disputes w/ Canada .
• Territorial consolidation and tensions over Canada


  Canada

  Many Americans did not like presence of what was effectively a British colony on their doorstep. Many Canadians feared their country would be vulnerable to attack from USA in events of disputes w/ Britain. As a result relations were often tense during 19th century, but particularly so in years following Civil War when issue of Canada got caught up in compensation got caught up in compensation claims relating to British support for Confederacy.
• Territorial consolidation and tensions over Canada


  Canada 2

  After buying Alaska, Seward half-expected the neighbouring Canadian province of British Columbia to request annexation. However, others felt that this province should be annexed by USA in lieu of compensation from Britain. Didn't happen, in part cos there was no great support within USA preoccupied w/ Reconstruction - and even less support in Canadian provinces.
• Territorial consolidation and tensions over Canada


  Canada 3

  Close relations too w/ Canada, not least in Canadian migration southwards in the 1870s and 1880s when USA seemed to be developing at a much faster rate. Nonetheless, tensions remained, not least because of raids on Canadian territory by supporters of Irish independence using USA as a base. However, most disputes, e.g. over fishing rights, were settled by arbitration.
• Territorial consolidation and tensions over Canada


  Relations with Latin America

  Hoped to develop influence in Latin America in terms of political influence and trading links.

  First Pan-American Conference, 1889. Delegates from 18 countries met in Washington in Oct w/ 2 main goals:

  1. A custom union offering free trade across American continent
  2. A system of international arbitration to avoid future wars.
• Territorial consolidation and tensions over Canada


  Relations with Latin America 2

  However, these goals seemed too ambitious, particularly when USA was preparing for McKinley tariff, highest in its history, and Latin American delegates believed the USA would use any arbitration system to dominate the continent. As a result, little was agreed beyond some trade agreements and a weak arbitration system, which was signed by only half the delegates. Nevertheless, the precedent was set for future agreements and co-operation.
• Territorial consolidation and tensions over Canada


  Relations with Latin America 3

  Moreover, by late 1880s, more Americans were supporting foreign involvement w/ closure of western frontier and development of economy. Some indeed felt that USA might be ready for imperial expansion.
• Territorial consolidation and tensions over Canada


  Protection of trade

  Growth of trade required military protection from army and naval forces. However, by 1880s, army was limited to 25,000 men and USA had only 12th largest military in the world. Successive Naval Secretaries called for expansion of the service but efforts were rebuffed until following decade.