During the first two decades of the twentieth century, Americans discussed foreign policy using the language of freedom. Their ventures abroad, they would argue, responded to the objective of promoting liberty and democracy and had nothing to do with economic interest. Please discuss how the Progressive presidents viewed and exercised American power outside U.S. borders. Make sure to explain their goals, plans, and results.

The Progressive presidents of the early twentieth century, including Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson, viewed American power outside U.S. borders through the lens of promoting freedom and democracy. They believed that the United States had a moral obligation to spread its values and ideals to other nations, and they sought to exercise American power in a way that aligned with these principles.

The goals of the Progressive presidents in their foreign policy endeavors were to promote democracy, protect human rights, and ensure stability and peace in the international arena. They believed that by spreading American values, they could contribute to a more just and peaceful world. To achieve these goals, they pursued a variety of strategies, including diplomacy, military intervention, and economic influence.

The results of their efforts were mixed. Theodore Roosevelt's "Big Stick" diplomacy and his intervention in Latin America, such as the construction of the Panama Canal and the mediation of the Russo-Japanese War, demonstrated American power and influence on the global stage. William Howard Taft's "dollar diplomacy" aimed to promote American economic interests in Latin America and Asia, but it also led to increased resentment and anti-American sentiment in some regions.

Woodrow Wilson's foreign policy was characterized by his belief in the promotion of democracy and self-determination. He advocated for the establishment of the League of Nations and the spread of democratic principles, particularly in Europe after World War I. However, his idealistic approach faced challenges and limitations, as the United States ultimately did not join the League of Nations, and his vision for a more peaceful world was overshadowed by the outbreak of World War II.

In conclusion, the Progressive presidents viewed and exercised American power outside U.S. borders with the goal of promoting freedom and democracy. Their efforts to spread American values and ideals had a significant impact on international relations, but their approaches also faced criticism and limitations. Overall, their foreign policy endeavors reflected a complex mix of idealism, pragmatism, and the pursuit of American interests.