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Foreign Policies of America

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Foreign Policies of America
The progressive era of American history encompassed the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. Each president had their own way of dealing with foreign policy. America was entering into a time when it was desirable to participate in and influence world affairs.

President Theodore Roosevelt believed that America should, “Speak softly and carry a big stick: you will go far.” That was Roosevelt's way of executing foreign policy. Roosevelt used his corollary to the Monroe Doctrine to advocate American diplomacy as the "big brother" in Latin America and the United States' military might was key in this policy by symbolizing the 'big stick'. He thought the United States should be active in shaping world affairs especially in the western hemisphere.

President Taft used the dollar diplomacy as his foreign policy tactic. Economics instead of brawn were vital to Taft's policy. He concluded that Europe would stay out of Latin American affairs if all the debts owed them by Latin America were paid off. Increased investment by Americans in Latin America would be mutually economically beneficial and would help Latin American countries to pay European debt. This diplomacy was meant to keep stability in political and economic cases by keeping Europe from further interference in the region.

President Wilson used the moral diplomacy in foreign policies. Wilson had a belief that it was the duty of America to help the countries of Latin America. "The force of America is the force of moral principle." is how Wilson described his policy. He believed that morals were more important than what was economically or politically beneficial. Wilson however, used both military and economic influences to control American diplomacy.

These three presidents were influential in advancing American ideals and interests among foreign countries. They used diplomacy, military might, and economic policies to keep America strong in foreign

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