Explain how Americans used the language of freedom when discussing foreign policy. Look specifically at the foreign policies of Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson in your answer. Did the meaning of freedom change with each administration or stay consistent?

The language of freedom has been a central theme in American foreign policy discussions, and it has been used in various ways by different administrations.

During the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, the language of freedom was often used to justify American intervention in Latin America and the Caribbean. Roosevelt's "Big Stick" diplomacy and the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine were both framed as efforts to promote freedom and democracy in the region. However, critics argued that these policies were more about expanding American influence and protecting American economic interests than promoting genuine freedom for the people of these countries.

Under the presidency of William Howard Taft, the language of freedom continued to be used in foreign policy discussions, but with a greater emphasis on promoting economic development and stability. Taft's policy of "dollar diplomacy" aimed to use American economic power to promote stability and progress in Latin America and Asia. While still framed in terms of promoting freedom and democracy, this approach was criticized for prioritizing American economic interests over the rights and freedoms of the people in these regions.

Woodrow Wilson's presidency saw a shift in the language of freedom in foreign policy discussions. Wilson's idealistic vision of promoting self-determination and democracy around the world was a central theme of his foreign policy. His Fourteen Points speech and the establishment of the League of Nations were both framed as efforts to promote freedom and democracy on a global scale. However, Wilson's policies also faced criticism for being idealistic and impractical, and for failing to fully live up to the principles of freedom and self-determination in practice.

Overall, the meaning of freedom in American foreign policy did change with each administration, as different presidents emphasized different aspects of freedom and democracy in their policies. However, a consistent theme throughout these administrations was the use of the language of freedom to justify and promote American interests and influence abroad. Critics have argued that this has often led to a disconnect between the rhetoric of freedom and the reality of American foreign policy actions.