Question

the rule of liberty that all just government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, applies only to those who are capable of self - government...... would not the people of the philippines prefer the just, humane, civilizing government of this republic to the savage, bloody rule of pillage and extortion from which we have rescued them?
—u.s. senator albert j. beveridge, from the meaning of the times
it is not necessary to own people in order to trade with them. we carry on trade today with every part of the world, and our commerce has expanded more rapidly than the commerce of any european empire........ a harbor and coaling station in the philippines would answer every trade and military necessity and such a concession could have been secured at any time without difficulty.
—william jennings bryan, from speeches of william jennings bryan

1. describe the major arguments in the debate over annexing the philippines, as represented by the statements above.
2. explain theodore roosevelt’s \big stick\ policy and give an example of how it was applied.
3. explain the four major provisions of the platt amendment listed below.

chart: a mind map with the center as provisions of the platt amendment and four branches: a treaties, b naval stations, c debts, d american intervention

Explanation:

Question 23

• For Beveridge's argument: He claims the U.S. provides a just, humane, civilizing government to the Philippines, implying the Philippines is not ready for self - government (as the consent - based liberty rule applies only to those capable of self - government) and that U.S. rule is better than the “savage, bloody rule” they were in before.
• For Bryan's argument: He argues that annexation (ownership) is not necessary for trade. The U.S. can trade with the Philippines without annexing it, and a harbor/coaling station (for trade and military needs) could be obtained without annexation. So, the debate over annexing the Philippines has one side (Beveridge) supporting annexation for a “civilizing” rule and the other (Bryan) opposing annexation as unnecessary for trade and military - trade needs.

• “Big Stick” Policy: It is based on the idea of “speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far”. It means conducting foreign policy with a combination of diplomatic negotiation (speaking softly) and the threat or use of military force (the big stick) to achieve U.S. interests.
• Example: The construction of the Panama Canal. The U.S. supported Panama's independence from Colombia (using diplomatic and military pressure on Colombia). After Panama became independent, the U.S. negotiated the rights to build and control the Panama Canal. The U.S. used its military and diplomatic influence to ensure it could build the canal, which was important for U.S. naval and trade interests (the “big stick” of military and diplomatic power was used to get the canal project moving). Another example is the U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic to maintain order and protect U.S. interests in the region, using the threat of military force to stabilize the area.

• Provision A (Treaties): The Platt Amendment required Cuba to not enter into any treaty with a foreign power that would impair Cuba's independence or give a foreign power special privileges that would limit U.S. influence over Cuba.
• Provision B (Naval Stations): Cuba had to grant the United States the right to establish naval stations (most notably Guantanamo Bay) in Cuba.
• Provision C (Debts): Cuba's government debt had to be kept at a level that Cuba could reasonably pay, to prevent foreign powers from intervening in Cuba's finances (and thus in Cuban affairs) to collect debts.
• Provision D (American Intervention): The United States had the right to intervene in Cuban affairs (military or otherwise) to maintain order, protect U.S. interests, and ensure Cuba's independence was not threatened (in the U.S.'s view).

Answer:

• Beveridge's argument: The U.S. government in the Philippines is just, humane, and civilizing. The Philippines is not capable of self - government, and U.S. rule is better than the previous “savage, bloody rule” of pillage and extortion.
• Bryan's argument: Owning (annexing) the Philippines is not necessary for trade. The U.S. can trade with the Philippines and obtain a harbor/coaling station without annexing it.

Question 24