Eleanor Finch
Moral diplomacy is a form of diplomacy proposed by President Woodrow Wilson in his 1912 United States presidential election campaign. It is the system in which support is given only to countries whose beliefs are analogous to that of the United States. This promotes the growth of the nation's ideals and damages nations with different ideologies. Wilson's enactment of a federal program overseeing the nation's economy and methods of wartime mobilisation laid the foundation for his successors' policies through and following WWII.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Support for countries with similar beliefs | Promoting democracy and peace |
| Intervention in elections and political affairs | Spreading liberty and democracy |
| Encouraging self-determination | Reducing national armaments |
| Promoting internationalism | Freedom of navigation upon the seas |
| Economic injury to non-democratic countries | Equality of trade conditions |
| Alternative to imperialist policies | Opposition to American Exceptionalism |
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What You'll Learn
Intervention in elections and political affairs
Woodrow Wilson's moral diplomacy was a form of diplomacy that promoted the growth of nations with similar beliefs and values to those of the United States. This diplomacy was based on the principle of self-determination, with the belief that people have the moral right to choose their form of government and leaders through democratic elections.
Wilson's moral diplomacy took the form of intervention in elections and political affairs, with the stated goal of supporting the development of democratic systems and values. This interventionism was particularly evident in Latin America, where several nations were under the influence of imperialism, which Wilson opposed. He believed that the United States had a pioneering role in promoting democracy and peace worldwide, and his moral diplomacy sought to curb the growth of imperialism and spread democracy.
In practice, Wilson's moral diplomacy often led to military occupation and economic control over territories, their governments, and their markets. For example, in 1915, Wilson responded to chronic revolution in Haiti by sending in American marines to restore order and support their chosen Haitian leader, while also covertly obtaining financial and administrative control of the island. Similarly, in 1916, Wilson intervened in the Dominican Republic, citing political and fiscal unrest as a reason for his involvement. Despite overseeing Dominican elections to ensure democracy, he ultimately imposed a full military occupation of the Republic from 1916 to 1924 due to his failure to completely quell revolutionary opposition.
Wilson's moral diplomacy also extended to Mexico, where he interfered under the principles of moral diplomacy to counter the threat of European investment and German influence in the country. This interventionism in Mexico and Latin America demonstrated how Wilson's diplomatic actions were often at odds with his professed support for self-determination and democracy.
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Support for democratic governments
Woodrow Wilson's moral diplomacy was a foreign policy approach that aimed to promote democracy and peace by only supporting countries with morally upright governments. Wilson believed that the United States had to play a pioneering role in promoting democracy and peace throughout the world. This belief was reflected in his 1914 address on "The Meaning of Liberty", where he alluded to America's potential to guide the world towards justice, liberty, and peace.
Wilson's moral diplomacy took the form of intervention in elections and political affairs to support the development of democratic systems and values. He believed in promoting democracy and moral principles in foreign policy rather than merely pursuing American economic interests or resorting to military force. This is evident in his refusal to recognize Mexico's revolutionary government, demanding democratic elections based on moral principles instead. Wilson also refused to acknowledge the authority of Mexico's revolutionaries, effectively stating that the US would only recognize a government that was democratically elected.
Another example of Wilson's support for democratic governments through moral diplomacy can be seen in his actions during the Mexican Revolution. He refused to recognize the dictatorship of Victoriano Huerta, who had seized power in a coup, and instead supported Venustiano Carranza, a leader pushing for democratic elections. Wilson's administration also supported revolutionary forces seeking to overthrow Huerta.
Wilson's moral diplomacy was not limited to Mexico, as he frequently intervened in the affairs of other countries, particularly in Latin America. These interventions included Mexico in 1914, Haiti from 1915-1934, the Dominican Republic in 1916, Cuba in 1917, and Panama in 1918. The US maintained troops in Nicaragua throughout Wilson's administration, and American troops in Haiti forced the Haitian legislature to choose their preferred candidate. Wilson also called for tariff reform, seeking to bring about the concept of open markets.
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Economic injury to non-democratic nations
Woodrow Wilson's moral diplomacy was based on the principle of self-determination, which asserts that people have the moral right to choose their form of government and leaders through democratic elections. This approach was intended to empower developing nations to become self-sustaining and democratic, marking a shift from the imperialist policies of his predecessors. However, critics argue that Wilson's actions primarily served to accelerate the US economic monopolization of world markets while also combating the spread of communism. This aspect of Wilson's moral diplomacy can be examined through the lens of economic injury to non-democratic nations.
Wilson's moral diplomacy had significant economic implications for non-democratic nations, particularly in Latin America. He actively intervened in the region, believing that it was the duty of the US to spread democracy. This interventionism led to economic control and military occupation in several Latin American countries. For instance, in Haiti, American troops forced the Haitian legislature to select Wilson's chosen candidate as the Haitian president. This interference in the internal affairs of Haiti disrupted the country's sovereignty and economic decision-making autonomy.
Another example of economic injury caused by Wilson's moral diplomacy is the Jones-Shafroth Act, which granted American citizenship to residents of Puerto Rico. While this may have had positive implications for Puerto Ricans, it also served as a tool for economic control and the extension of American influence. By bestowing citizenship, the US effectively integrated Puerto Rico into its economic orbit, potentially redirecting trade patterns and reshaping local markets to align with American interests.
Additionally, Wilson's support for the independence of the Philippine Islands and his encouragement of democratic processes in these territories had economic ramifications. The promise of independence created a power vacuum that the US economically filled. As the US offered alternatives to war, such as cooling-off periods and outside fact-finding commissions, it positioned itself as a mediator. This role allowed the US to exert economic influence and potentially gain preferential access to resources and markets in the region.
The economic injury caused by Wilson's moral diplomacy also extended to Mexico. With American citizens holding mining and other interests in the country, Wilson's interventions in Mexico's internal affairs aimed to protect and promote American economic stakes. This interventionism potentially hindered Mexico's ability to independently develop and control its natural resources, leading to economic injury for the country.
In conclusion, while Wilson's moral diplomacy was guided by the principle of self-determination and the spread of democracy, it had unintended consequences in the form of economic injury to non-democratic nations. The imposition of American economic control, military occupation, and interference in internal affairs disrupted the sovereignty and economic autonomy of these nations. These actions, often driven by a belief in American exceptionalism, had lasting impacts on the global economic landscape and the distribution of power.
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Self-determination
Woodrow Wilson's moral diplomacy was centred on the principle of self-determination, which can be defined as the moral right of people to choose their form of government and leaders through democratic elections. In his view, moral diplomacy was not about extending American power but about empowering developing nations to become self-sustaining and democratic. This was a significant shift from the imperialist policies of his predecessors, which sought to extend the power and dominion of a nation through territorial acquisitions or indirect control over the political and economic life of other nations.
Wilson's calls for national self-determination transformed American foreign policy from one of isolation to one of internationalism. He believed that nations should work together to spread democracy and create international organisations to solidify their mutual goals, which laid the groundwork for the United States to later join the United Nations following World War II. This vision was outlined in his "`Fourteen Points`" speech, delivered to Congress on January 8, 1918, in which he called for a "new diplomacy" based on open covenants and the dismantling of the imperial order.
However, Wilson's commitment to self-determination has been questioned by critics, who argue that his actions in Latin America contradicted his stated principles. For example, in 1915, he sent American marines to Haiti and the Dominican Republic to restore order, resulting in military occupations that failed to create the democratic states they had intended. Similarly, his unilateral decision to send troops into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa, who had killed several Americans, was seen as a move for economic and political control rather than a commitment to self-determination.
The concept of self-determination is a complex one, with implications for territorial integrity and sovereignty. While it grants individuals the right to form an independent state, there are more self-identified nations than existing states, and no legal process currently exists to redraw state boundaries according to the will of these peoples. Additionally, while self-determination is a cardinal principle in modern international law, it does not specify how decisions should be made or what outcomes should be achieved, and it does not include a right to secession under international law.
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Internationalism
Woodrow Wilson's concept of moral diplomacy, which he introduced during his 1912 presidential campaign, marked a shift in American foreign policy from isolationism to internationalism. This new approach centred US foreign relations around the concept of morality—specifically, the values of democracy and national self-determination. Wilson believed that the US had a duty to spread democracy and liberty, and that this was the key to a stable and prosperous nation. This belief in American exceptionalism and a sense of moral duty to spread democratic values globally led to interventions in Latin America and other regions.
Wilson's internationalism manifested in his support for democratic nations and his efforts to economically strain non-democratic countries, which he saw as potential threats to the US. He worked with other nations, particularly European ones, to advance their shared ideals and interests. This included tariff reform to support open, free markets, reflecting Wilson's vision of economic internationalism.
Wilson's internationalism also extended to his belief in the importance of international cooperation and collective action. He advocated for the creation of international political conglomerates to work towards common goals, such as the promotion of democracy and peace worldwide. This laid the groundwork for the US to join international organisations like the United Nations following World War II, solidifying its role as a global actor in international affairs.
The State Department, which manages America's relationships with foreign governments and international organisations, continues to play a crucial role in promoting internationalism. It works to strengthen international alliances, foster regional stability, and advance common interests and values with other nations. This includes promoting democracy, rule of law, and economic development in various regions, as well as addressing global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and international terrorism.
While Wilson's internationalism had a significant impact on US foreign policy in the 20th and 21st centuries, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that his diplomacy primarily served economic interests, hastening US economic monopolization of world markets while fighting the spread of communism. Nonetheless, Wilson's legacy is complex, and his idealistic vision of internationalism continues to influence American foreign policy today.
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Frequently asked questions
Moral diplomacy is a form of diplomacy proposed by President Woodrow Wilson in his 1912 United States presidential election campaign. It involves supporting countries with similar beliefs and democratic governments while economically injuring non-democratic countries.
Wilson's moral diplomacy was underpinned by the principle of self-determination, which refers to the moral right of people to choose their form of government and leaders through democratic elections. He also believed that the United States had a duty to spread democracy and peace worldwide.
Wilson's moral diplomacy shifted US foreign policy from isolationism to internationalism. It laid the groundwork for the US to join international organisations like the United Nations and cemented its role as a global actor in international affairs.
Critics argued that Wilson's moral diplomacy exemplified American Exceptionalism, suggesting that American ideology, policy, and institutions are superior and should be universally applied, even by force. His interventions in Latin America, such as in Mexico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, were also criticised for leading to military occupation and economic control.
Wilson frequently intervened in the affairs of other countries, particularly in Latin America, to promote democracy. He also attempted to mediate peace between the warring European alliances during World War I and advocated for open covenants of peace, freedom of navigation, and the reduction of national armaments.
