Rise of Us to Power During the 20th Century

The U.S. Rise

There were many factors that contributed to the United States' rise and roles as a world power during the early 20th century. Presidential policies during this time period were the foundation of the U.S.'s role as a world power. The conflict in the Philippines was evidence of the U.S.'s ability to crush uprising and control a territory. The Spanish-American War demonstrates the U.S.'s role as a world power. Although the U.S. was only about a century old it's influence drastically affected the whole world.

Presidents during the 20th century developed and relied on many different policies involving foreign relations. President Roosevelt's policy was "Speak softly and carry a big stick: you will go far." He applied this African proverb in Latin American relations and acted as a sort of "international police officer." Taft's "Dollar Diplomacy" advised American businesses to invest wherever their products are sold. President Wilson believed that the U.S. was the champion democracy, and whenever the U.S. could instill democracy or help out, it should. This policy was called "Moral Diplomacy." Presidential policies kept the U.S. involved in foreign affairs.

After Commodore Dewey had captured the Philippines an uproar tested the power of the U.S. After debate, the U.S. decided to annex and hold off the independence that the Philippines had waited so long for. The U.S. used cruel tactics in taking out a provisional government and putting down rebellion. The Philippines was forced to be governed by American officials. Finally the U.S. passed the Jones Act of 1916 which allowed Philippino citizens to elect officials. After years of delayed independence the U.S. finally granted the Philippines

independence on July 4, 1916. The U.S. intervened in the Philippines in order to gain territory from Spain.

Although President McKinley tried to avoid a war with Spain it seemed to be inevitable. The trouble began with journalism exploiting Spanish atrocities. Then, a battleship blew up and was falsely identified as a Spanish attack. The U.S. first took hold of a Spanish colony (the Philippines) which it later used as a stepping stone to trade with other countries. Then, they fought battles in Cuba (another Spanish colony) and conquered that along with Puerto Rico. By winning the