Student Question
How did Wilson's foreign policy from 1913-1916 exemplify Wilsonianism?
Wilsonianism is defined as the inclination to use U.S. foreign policy as a means of spreading American political and social values throughout the world.
Quick answer:
Wilson's foreign policy from 1913-1916 exemplified Wilsonianism by promoting American political values abroad. This is evident in the U.S. decision to support Venustiano Carranza over Victoriano Huerta in Mexico, as Carranza was perceived as more democratic. Additionally, the U.S. promised independence to the Philippines, establishing it as a U.S. territory with the first elected legislature in Asia. These actions reflect Wilson's inclination to encourage democracy and American ideals internationally.
There are many ways in which Wilson's foreign policy did not fit this definition. For example, the US occupied countries like Haiti and the Dominican Republic when it felt that instability in those countries threatened US interests.
However, we can also identify instances in which Wilson did practice "Wilsonianism." For example, the US promised to give independence to the Philippines and made it a US territory with the first elected legislature in Asia. We can also see Wilsonianism to some extent in Wilson's decision to allow arms to be sold to Venustiano Carranza in his attempt to overthrow Victoriano Huerta in Mexico. Carranza was seen as more of a democrat than Huerta was.
In these ways, the US seemed to be trying to encourage places like the Philippines and Mexico to become more democratic.
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