Primary Sources:
The purchase of Alaska: 1866
"The United States of America and His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, being desirous of strengthening, if possible, the good understanding which exists between them, have, for that purpose, appointed as their Plenipotentiaries: the President of the United States, William H. Seward, Secretary of State; and His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, the Privy Councillor Edward de Stoeckl, his Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States.
And the said Plenipotentiaries, having exchanged their full powers, which were found to be in due form, have agreed upon and signed the following articles:
ARTICLE I.
His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias agrees to cede to the United States, by this convention, immediately upon the exchange of the ratifications thereof, all the territory and dominion now possessed by his said Majesty on the continent of America and in the adjacent islands, the same being contained within the geographical limits herein set forth, to wit: The eastern limit is the line of demarcation between the Russian and the British possessions in North America, as established by the convention between Russia and Great Britain, of February 28 - 16, 1825, and described in Articles III and IV of said convention..." 1
And the said Plenipotentiaries, having exchanged their full powers, which were found to be in due form, have agreed upon and signed the following articles:
ARTICLE I.
His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias agrees to cede to the United States, by this convention, immediately upon the exchange of the ratifications thereof, all the territory and dominion now possessed by his said Majesty on the continent of America and in the adjacent islands, the same being contained within the geographical limits herein set forth, to wit: The eastern limit is the line of demarcation between the Russian and the British possessions in North America, as established by the convention between Russia and Great Britain, of February 28 - 16, 1825, and described in Articles III and IV of said convention..." 1
This is an excerpt from the document which stated the "Purchase of Alaska" agreement. The United States Secretary of State, William H. Seward negotiated with the Russian Minister, Edouard de Stoeckl to purchase Alaska (Russian territory) . On March 30th, 1967 the United States and Russia agreed that the U.S. would pay $7.2 million dollars. With the purchase of Alaska, the United State was expanding their nation to great lengths, and this helped establish them as a "world superpower." This primary source teaches us that Foreign policy isn't all about war and taking land at will, but also about having good/fair relations with other Nations, which can prove to be beneficial later in the future. The "Purchase of Alaska Agreement" document taught me that holding up your end of the deal, and treating other countries with respect to gain you what you want, and benefit you in the future.
Chinese Exclusion Act: 1882
"Whereas in the opinion of the Government of the United States the coming of Chinese laborers to this country endangers the good order of certain localities within the territory thereof: Therefore,
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after the expiration of ninety days next after the passage of this act, and until the expiration of ten years next after the passage of this act, the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States be, and the same is hereby, suspended; and during such suspension it shall not be lawful for any Chinese laborer to come, or having so come after the expiration of said ninety days to remain within the United States." 2
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after the expiration of ninety days next after the passage of this act, and until the expiration of ten years next after the passage of this act, the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States be, and the same is hereby, suspended; and during such suspension it shall not be lawful for any Chinese laborer to come, or having so come after the expiration of said ninety days to remain within the United States." 2
This is an excerpt from the "Chinese Exclusion Act." This Act stated that Chinese Laborers were not allowed to immigrate to the United States for the Federal Government felt it "endangered the good order of certain localities of americans." The Chinese Exclusion act is significant because it sparked this new idea of Nativism and created a timid relationship with the chinese people. This lead to discrimination and violence. This excerpt further explains and teaches us that foreign relations/policy of the United States did in some ways help the Americans discriminate against the Chinese, African Americans, etc. I have learned from reading further into the Chinese Exclusion Act that the United State governments laws were not always reasonable, but the U.S. passed these laws to better the life of US citizens and to boost their reputation.
Photographs:
1896, the Cape Girardeau Democrat Newspaper
3
This is a picture of an article from the Cape Girardeau Democrat Newspaper. This article talks about what America stands for in Foreign policy. The picture talks about the Monroe Doctrine which is the United States basis for foreign relations. The Monroe Doctrine states that The American Continents are to not be touched by any European countries for future colonization. This newspaper article was written in 1896, in the town of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The picture of this article teaches us that we still use foreign policies that are hundreds of years old, and we honor our relations with foreign nations, as respect to them and the United States traditions.
1895; Venezuelan crisis
.This picture is depicting the Venezuelan Crisis, where England and Venezuela were disputing over a boundary. This picture is showing a Lion which is depicted as England, being kicked out of the American Continents (more specifically Venezuela). With the help of the United States and the Monroe Doctrine, Venezuela was able to keep their borders intact. This picture was drawn by J.S. Pughe in 1895. This picture teaches Foreign Policy of the U.S. further because the United States kept their basis and avoided a bigger dispute with England. But, not only does the United States receive credit but England also respected a long standing document (Monroe Doctrine), which establishes our the United States Strength in Foreign Policy.
1882; Chinese exclusion act cartoon
This cartoon is a depiction of the 1882 immigration law "Chinese Exclusion Act." In the Cartoon you can see a Chinese man sitting outside the "Golden Gate of Liberty," which is a depiction of the United States at that time. The cartoon was created in 1882, and put in "Time Newspaper." This Cartoon better teaches the relations between the American citizens/United States with the Chinese Laborers, which could lead to future conflicts
1898; Sinking of USS maine
This picture is showing the aftermath of The USS Maine explosion which is believed to be at the fault of the Spanish. The USS Maine explosion and sinking was on February 15th, 1898. This picture was taken just a week after the De Lome letter was received from the Spanish Minister of Spain. The USS Maine was at rest in the Havana Harbor in Cuba. This picture of the "Sinking of the USS Maine shows us that you can never underestimate what lengths a country will go to to keep control, and power over a land.
Map:
This map is showing the land and borders disputed between Venezuela and England. The United States quickly came into the picture with the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine states that European powers must keep their hands of American continents for any future colonization. England respected the United States, and Venezuela, and gave the land up. This shows that respect between countries is essential for peace and to avoid future conflicts.