Monroe Doctrine
What was U.S. policy with relations between itself and Europe?
Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an
early stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the internal
concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government de facto as the legitimate government for us; to cultivate friendly relations with it, and to
preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every power, submitting to injuries from none.
Address by President Kennedy at a White House Reception for Latin American Diplomats
and Members of Congress, March 13, 1961.
How would currency be handled between all members of the Pan American Conference?
Sixth. The adoption of a common silver coin, to be issued by each government, the same to be legal tender in all commercial transactions between the citizens of all of the American States.
How did the people of Cuba react to the guidelines proposed by the Platt Amendment?
Despite considerable Cuban resistance, [the Platt Amendment] became a part of the 1902 Cuban Constitution. In
following years the United States used the amendment several times to send troops to maintain or place
friendly governments in power and to protect investments. The amendment was abrogated in 1934.
How did both the houses of the U.S. Congress react to the initial plan of this amendment?
The following resolutions were passed without opposition by both houses of Congress
on April 20, 1898.
When would America be forced to interfere with European affairs despite their foreign policy?
It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent
injuries or make preparation for our defense.
What were the similarities defined between the U.S. and Latin American countries?
Our continents arc bound together by a common
history-the endless exploration of new frontiers. Our nations are the product of a common
struggle -the revolt from colonial rule. And our people share a common heritage - the quest
for the dignity and the freedom of man. . . .
What was the importance of a customs union between the U.S and Latin American countries?
Second. Measures toward the formation of an American customs union, under which the trade of the American nations with each other shall, so far as possible and profitable, be promoted.
What did the U.S. demand from the government of Spain under the Platt Amendment?
For the recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba,
demanding that the Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the
island of Cuba, and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters,
What were the reasons that the U.S. was involved in Cuba?
Whereas the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three years in the
Island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked the moral sense of the people
of the United States, have been a disgrace to Christian civilization, culminating, as they
have, in the destruction of a United States battle ship, with two hundred and sixty-six of
its officers and crew, while on a friendly visit in the harbor of Havana, and can not longer
be endured, as has been set forth by the President of the United States in his message
to Congress of April eleventh, eighteen hundred and ninety-eight, upon which the action
of Congress was invited:
Why would the Monroe Doctrine be important to establish a set of rules between the U.S and Russia?
. . . At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions have
been transmitted to the minister of the United States at St. Petersburg to arrange by amicable negotiation the respective rights and interests of the two
nations on the northwest coast of this continent.
What were the goals of the proposed ten-year plan of the Alliance for Progress?
First, I propose that the American Republics begin on a vast new 10-year plan for the
Americas, a plan to transform the 1960's into an historic decade of democratic progress. . .
The living standards of every American family will be on the rise, basic education will be available to
all, hunger will be a forgotten experience, the need for massive outside help will have
passed, most nations will have entered a period of self-sustaining growth, and, although
there will be still much to do, every American Republic will be the master of its own
revolution and its own hope and progress.
What was the goal behind the establishment of a Pan American Conference?
First. Measures that shall tend to preserve and promote the prosperity of the several American States.
How was Cuban foreign relations limited by the Platt Amendment?
I.-That the government of Cuba
shall never enter into any treaty or other compact with any foreign power or powers
which will impair or tend to impair the independence of Cuba, nor in any manner
authorize or permit any foreign power or powers to obtain by colonization or for military
or naval purposes or otherwise, lodgement in or control over any portion of said
island.
What did the U.S. demand from the government of Spain under the Teller Amendment?
Second. That it is the duty of the United States to demand, and the Government of the
United States does hereby demand, that the Government of Spain at once relinquish its
authority and government in the Island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces
from Cuba and Cuban waters.
What was defined as the political difference between the governments of Europe and the U.S.?
With the movements in this hemisphere we are of necessity more immediately connected, and by causes
which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers. The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in this respect from
that of America. This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective Governments; and to the defense of our own, which has been
achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed
unexampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted.
What was important about the defense policy outlined by the Alliance for Progress?
Ninth, we reaffirm our pledge to come to the defense of any American nation whose
independence is endangered. As confidence in the collective security system of the OAS
[Organization of American States] spreads, it will be possible to devote to constructive use
a major share of those resources now spent on the instruments of war.
What was the importance of a uniform system of customs regulations between members of the Pan American Conference?
Fourth. The establishment of a uniform system of customs regulations in each of the independent American States to govern the mode of importation and exportation of mechandise and port dues and charges, a uniform method of determining the classification and valuation of such merchandise in the ports of each country, and a uniform system of invoices, and the subject of the sanitation of ships and quarantine.
Was there any limit to what acts the U.S could done on Cuba under the Platt Amendment?
IV. That all Acts of the United States in Cuba
during its military occupancy thereof are ratified and validated, and all lawful rights
acquired thereunder shall be maintained and protected.
What was the main goal of the Teller Amendment?
Fourth. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to exercise
sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said Island except for the pacification thereof,
and asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government and
control of the Island to its people.
What was America's policy towards colonies of other European powers?
With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with the
Governments who have declared their independence and maintain it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles,
acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any
European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States.
Eighth, we must rapidly expand the training of those needed to man the economies of
rapidly developing countries. This means expanded technical training programs, for which
the Peace Corps, for example, will be available where needed. It also means assistance to
Latin American universities, graduate schools, and research institutes.
How was it proposed that a problem would be settled between different nations?
Seventh. An agreement upon and recommendation for adoption to their respective Governments of a definite plan of arbitration of all questions, disputes, and difference that may now or hereafter exist between them, to the end that all difficulties and disputes between such nations may be peaceably settled and wars prevented.
How was it proposed that the U.S. could have enforced the Platt Amendment on Cuba?
VII. That to enable the United
States to maintain the independence of Cuba, and to protect the people thereof, as well
as for its own defense, the government of Cuba will sell or lease to the United States
lands necessary for coaling or naval stations at certain specified points to be agreed
upon with the President of the United States.
How was it proposed that the U.S. could have enforced the Teller Amendment on Cuba?
Third. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, directed and
empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States, and to call into
the actual service of the United States the militia of the several States, to such extent as
may be necessary to carry these resolutions into effect.