Foreign relations of the United States

The United States has vast economic, political and military influence on a global scale, which makes its foreign policy a subject of great interest and discussion around the world.

Brief history

During the American Revolution, the United States established relations with several European powers, convincing France, Spain, and the Netherlands to intervene in the war against Britain, a mutual enemy. In the period following, the U.S. oscillated between pro-French and pro-British policies. In general, the U.S. remained aloof from European disputes, focusing on territorial expansion in North America.

Related Topics:
American Revolution - France - Spain - Netherlands - Britain - North America

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After the Spanish colonies in Latin America declared independence, the U.S. established the Monroe Doctrine, a policy of keeping European powers out of the Americas. U.S. expansionism led to war with Mexico and to diplomatic conflict with Britain over the Oregon Territory and with Spain over Florida and later Cuba. During the American Civil War, the U.S. accused Britain and France of supporting the Confederate States and trying to control Mexico, but after that, the U.S. was unchallenged in its home territory. Through the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, it strove to be the dominant influence in the Americas, trying to weaken European influence in Latin America and occasionally intervening to establish puppet governments in weak states.

Related Topics:
Latin America - Monroe Doctrine - Mexico - Britain - Oregon Territory - Florida - Cuba - American Civil War - Confederate States - Roosevelt Corollary - Puppet governments

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As U.S. power grew, it began to look at interests farther abroad, particularly in the pursuit of trade. It occupied territories in the Pacific, such as Hawaii and the Philippines, demanded the opening of Japan to trade, and competed with other powers for influence in China. During World War I, the United States was among the victorious Allies, after which it returned to more isolationist policies. The United States entered World War II in 1941, again on the Allied side. After the war, it was a major player in the establishment of the United Nations and became one of five permanent members of the Security Council.

Related Topics:
Trade - Pacific - Hawaii - Philippines - Japan - China - World War I - Allies - Isolationist - World War II - 1941 - United Nations - Security Council

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During the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy sought to limit the influence of the Soviet Union around the world, leading to the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and diplomatic actions like the opening of China and establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It also sought to fill the vacuum left by the decline of Britain as a global power, leading international economic organizations such as the WTO and GATT. By the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union, the U.S. had military and economic interests in every region of the globe.

Related Topics:
Cold War - Soviet Union - Korean War - Vietnam War - China - North Atlantic Treaty Organization - Britain - WTO - GATT

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