What was Roosevelt’s game? This is an Asian history course, but we’re looking back at President Roosevelt
trying to stick his nose into the business of Asian nations. He is most interested in the power play of the time,
the strong (honorary Aryan) nation of Japan and its strong arm tactics against Korea and China. Roosevelt was
impressed at Japan’s ability to beat both China and Russians and show a determination to rule that part of the
world. Fine with Roosevelt, as long as he got something out of it. From what you’ve read so far, what do you
think is going on in his head? You can mention Hawai’i and the Philippines, both feathers in our own imperialist
cap, but what else is Roosevelt thinking?
Sample Solution