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Teddy Roosevelt's "Big Stick" diplomacy

Definition

Teddy Roosevelt's "Big Stick" diplomacy refers to his approach to foreign policy that emphasized using a strong military presence and the threat of force to achieve American goals. It was based on the proverbial phrase, "speak softly and carry a big stick."

Historical Context

Teddy Roosevelt's "Big Stick" diplomacy emerged in the early 20th century, during his presidency from 1901 to 1909. This approach to foreign policy was based on the West African proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." Roosevelt applied this philosophy to expand American influence, particularly in Latin America and East Asia. It reflected the United States' growing assertiveness as an emerging world power within the context of Imperialism and global competition for territories.

Historical Significance

The "Big Stick" diplomacy had significant implications for U.S. foreign relations and global dynamics. It justified U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs through actions like the Panama Canal construction and the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which positioned the U.S. as a police force in the Western Hemisphere. This approach fostered an era of American expansionism and established a precedent for future U.S. interventions, shaping international relationships that would persist throughout the 20th century.

Related terms

Dollar Diplomacy: This term refers to President William Taft's foreign policy approach that focused on economic investments and promoting American business interests abroad.

Containment: Containment was the Cold War policy developed by George Kennan that aimed to prevent the spread of communism by containing it within its existing borders.

Brinkmanship: Brinkmanship is a foreign policy strategy used during the Cold War where both sides would push each other close to the brink of war in order to gain an advantage or force concessions.

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Practice Questions (1)

How does Teddy Roosevelt's "Big Stick" diplomacy relate to later American foreign policies during the Cold War?

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