AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY 1815-1860
RUSH BAGOT AGREEMENT - 1817
1. U.S. and Britain limited their naval armaments on the Great Lakes.
2. Beginning of unguarded border between U.S. and Canada.
THE MONROE DOCTRINE - 1823
1. Response to
a. Russian expansion down Pacific Coast
b. Threat to European intervention in newly-independent Latin American republics.
2. British made the initial suggestion that Britain and America issue a joint statement of opposition to intervention. Monroe and Sec. of State Adams refuse.
3. Major Points
a. American continents no longer open for colonization by European powers.
b. American and European political systems were totally different.
c. The U.S. would consider it dangerous to its peace and security if any European power tried to extend its system to the West.
d. U.S. would not interfere with existing colonies of European countries, nor would she take part in European wars which did not concern her.
4. NOTE: At the time it was issued, few paid any attention to it, least of all foreign governments. It was purely part of a presidential address. Its significance came later when other Presidents used it as justification for their own policies. It had no standing in international law.
WEBSTER-ASHBURTON TREATY - 1842. Eased many Anglo-American tensions.
1. Aroostook War
2. Caroline crisis
3. Slave traders
4. Creole crisis
TREATY OF WANGHIA - 1844
1. Agreement between U.S. and China
2. Followed Britain's gains in the Opium Wars
3. Opened 5 ports to American Trade
4. Gave U.S. Extraterritoriality
5. Gave U.S. MEN status
CLAYTON-BULWER TREATY - 1850
1. U.S. and Britain agreed that neither would gain or exercise
exclusive control over an isthmian canal in Central America,
or to fortify it; but, if such a canal were built, to
allow other nations and their citizens to use it.
2. Guaranteed security and neutrality of such a canal.
3. Agreed to allow each other's nationals equal access to canal.
4. Pledged not to occupy, colonize, or dominate any part of
Central America
TREATY OF KANAGAWA -- 1854
1. Opened two ports in Japan to U.S. trade
2. Provided for care of shipwrecked American seamen
3. Followed by two other agreements
4. - 1857 - Nagasaki opened to U.S. commerce
5. - 1858 - Additional ports open, Americans gain right to live in Japan, diplomatic recognition and representatives exchanged.
TREATY OF TIENTSIN - 1858. Representation, recognition and MFN with China.