The American imperialism began about 100 years ago, in 1890, with the end of the Frontier, an imaginary line that separated civilization from wilderness and that was constantly moving towards west. When the whole territory was conquered, it was like a shock in American mentality and it actually had an impact on foreign policy. The US began to look outside of its territory, seeking overseas what it couldn't find on its territory anymore. The Second World War, the opening of new markets, the new technologies were all frontiers that stimulated the US and seem to have insured its success since 1940. The US realized that an isolationist policy was inadequate since its growth and prosperity depended on the international economy. The adoption of an internationalist policy after the Second World War meant the important of defending American interest abroad and therefore to try and influence the course of event abroad to protect these interests.
Right at the end of the Second World War, European economies were deeply weakened and needed help to be rebuilt. The US solution was the establishment of the Marshall Plan in 1948 which was an economic support to these weakened economies. The American government's official reason for the Marshall Plan was to bring stability to Europe. In fact, Western Europe's vulnerability to communist influences jeopardized the American position in Europe. European economic stability meant American economic stability. The Marshall Plan was also a way of selling American industrial production to the countries that benefited from the Plan. Beyond political and ideological views, the US' main goal was, of course to extend the market for its industrial production.
[...] This belief has an enormous impact on Foreign Policy: the US should actively seek to export its values to other countries. Kennedy once said:”The cause of Humanity is the cause of America, we are responsible for maintaining liberty in the world.” However, influenced by self interest, the US has often used these ideals as an excuse. I'll divide my explanation into 2 major points: - The American world power: For what reason and with what means does the US manage to maintain its power? - Who influences the American foreign policy? I. [...]
[...] The US began to look outside of its territory, seeking overseas what it couldn't find on its territory anymore. The Second World War, the opening of new markets, the new technologies were all frontiers that stimulated the US and seem to have insured its success since 1940. The US realized that an isolationist policy was inadequate since its growth and prosperity depended on the international economy. The adoption of an internationalist policy after the Second World War meant the important of defending American interest abroad and therefore to try and influence the course of event abroad to protect these interests. [...]
[...] European economic stability meant American economic stability. The Marshall Plan was also a way of selling American industrial production to the countries that benefited from the Plan. Beyond political and ideological views, the US' main goal was, of course to extend the market for its industrial production. B. The American hegemony Since the end of the cold war, the US has had a unique position in the world. It's an unprecedented status: the absence of any rival anywhere makes the US a global power. [...]
[...] Who influences the American foreign policy? Defining who has a role in the American foreign policy is quite complex since many actors with divergent opinions and interests try to influence it. Initially, foreign policy is dictated by the leaders of the US but influence on foreign policy may also come from a particular interest that a person or a group wants to put forward A. The role of the American government The president is a persuader more than a commander in Foreign policy. [...]
[...] Through this method, the US can have a control over its access to oil. Moreover, one year after the war, some documents from the Pentagon were published. They were describing the real intentions of the American Foreign policy:”The main military and political mission of the US is to prevent the emergence of another superpower in Eastern Europe, Asia or the former Russia”. This shows that the US wants to maintain its hegemony in order to protect and optimize its interests and that foreign policy is often dictated by economic and commercial interests. [...]
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