USA HISTORY

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM(1890 1919)

THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

[SOURCES]
What did American’s call Theodore Roosevelt’s statement that the United States should “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”?

(A) Big War Ship Diplomacy

(B) Small Stick Diplomacy

(C) Small War Ship Diplomacy

(D) ** Big Stick Diplomacy

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -Big stick ideology, big stick diplomacy, or big stick policy refers to President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy, “speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far".

Concept note-2: -In late 1904, Roosevelt announced his Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. It stated that the U.S. would intervene in the finances of unstable Caribbean and Central American countries if they defaulted on their debts to European creditors.

Concept note-3: -How did Teddy Roosevelt’s approach to foreign policy reflect the proverb “speak softly and carry a big stick?” He believed in being patient but would use strong force if necessary, and his Big Stick Policy emphasized diplomacy (negotiation) backed by force.

Concept note-4: -The Big Stick Diplomacy wanted to imperialize or civilize smaller nations with military force. The Dollar Diplomacy wanted to increase American investments in businesses and banks throughout Central America and the Caribbean, by substituting dollars for bullets.

Concept note-5: –Roosevelt was more often engaged in the “big stick” to approach any type of problems that also involves foreign policies. Roosevelt’s main priority was to keep the United States safe and in control, and his aggressive approach to foreign policies made his priorities happen.