Assignment

By the mid-20th century, the United States had become the dominant force in international relations. Some have argued that the United States' military functions as the world's "police." This assignment covers the manner in which this shift occurred and the consequences the United States faces as a result of its status as "policemen of the world." Using the Internet and reputable news sources, research two real-life international incidents from the past five years in which:

The U.S. used military action abroad.

Controversy existed within the American public regarding U.S. involvement.

Controversy existed within the country or countries affected by U.S. involvement.

You have already developed a thesis statement and developed an outline in which you explored two real-life international incidents from the past five years involving the United States as they received an elevated status as a world power. Now you will develop the final paper in which you explore your main points in detail. ??Prompt: Describe the manner in which the United States shifted to become the dominant force in international relations, and the consequences the United States faces as a result of its status as "policemen of the world." Discuss two international events involving the US military from the past five years that can be traced back to a foreign policy created after the Civil War.

The following are examples of foreign policies created after the Civil War. Students are free to choose these or their own (please contact the instructor about a policy that is not listed).

Marshall Plan-George Marshall

Alfred Thayer Mahan's theory of the Navy

Roosevelt Corollary-Theodore Roosevelt

Truman Doctrine-Harry Truman

Bush Doctrine-George W. Bush

Message on War-Woodrow Wilson

Four Freedoms-Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Key Themes:

Aspects of US history since 1865 that has led to the US's rise as a world super power policeman.

International incidents since World War II where America has taken on a policing role.

Driving forces that fueled international policy decisions involving the international

Treaties, exit strategies, elections, and wars

The rise of the United States to a world "superpower" and how that status has shaped its internal developments in recent decades.

Write a three to five page paper in which you:

1. Introduce your paper with your previously crafted thesis statement.

2. Discuss two international events involving the US military from the past five years that can be traced back to a foreign policy created after the Civil War.

3. Discuss three aspects of US history since 1865 that has led to the US's rise as a world super power policeman.

4. Identify three to five international incidents since World War II where America has taken on a policing role.

5. Determine three to five driving forces that fueled international policy decisions involving the international incidents you outlined previously. (Consider treaties, exit strategies, elections, wars, etc.)

6. Use at least three academic references besides or in addition to the textbook. Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as academic resources.