Final answer:
Taft's views on American diplomacy, as inferred from the passages, show a preference for using economic leverage, termed "dollar diplomacy," to pursue American interests rather than military force. His efforts reflected the challenges in exerting American influence and revealed limits to U.S. power, with long-term implications in Central America and Asia.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the provided passages, we can infer that President William Howard Taft's views on American diplomacy emphasized the use of economic power over military intervention. Taft's approach, known as "dollar diplomacy," aimed to secure markets and opportunities for American businesses by substituting "dollars for bullets." His policies involved economic coercion and the mere threat of force to influence other nations into agreements advantageous to the United States. Concurrently, Taft focused on developing foreign policy expertise within the State Department by creating geographical divisions, showcasing his intent to professionalize and increase the effectiveness of American diplomacy.
Although Taft followed Theodore Roosevelt's lead in Asia by supporting China against Japanese interference, his mediation efforts ultimately did not create a desirable balance of power. The reaction from Japan was to consolidate power, which strained relations between Japan and the United States. Additionally, economic manipulation in Central America led to indebtedness and fostered nationalist movements due to resentment towards American interference. These policies reflect a diplomacy that prioritized economic interests, but also contributed to future conflicts and instability.
Taft's maneuvers, such as attempting to extend the Open Door policy in Manchuria, encountered resistance, exposing limitations in the American government's influence. His recognition of these limits led to a reorganization aimed at improving the country's diplomatic approaches. However, some of Taft's policies also led to immediate troubles and sowed seeds for future difficulties both in Central America and Asia.