Crucial Moments in US History You'll Learn about during Your Master’s in International Relations

US history has played a big role in shaping the current international order

Since the mid-twentieth century, American foreign policy has played a dominant role in shaping the international landscape. Yet, the ideas behind these policies have their inceptions much earlier - back to the foundations and early ideals of American society. Historical events help foreign policy experts understand America's unique international role, even anticipating new obligations and entanglements.

From the war of 1898 to 9/11, these events contextualize the perceived role of US foreign policy - an evolving force in international relations. As part of their Master's in International Relations, Queen Mary Online students have the opportunity to learn about the major events and ideas that have shaped America's unique role as a global power.

Read on to find out about about some of the crucial moments in US history you'll learn about during your MA.

Studying the Spanish-American War Helps Students Understand US Expansionism

In April 1898, the US congress declared war on Spain, launching what would become the Spanish-American war. The American position centred on Spain's perceived role in the sinking of an American naval ship, the USS Maine, off the coast of Cuba.

In fact, the USS Maine was likely sunk by an internal explosion, but the event helped focus American ill-will toward the Spanish empire and its stranglehold on Cuba. Despite lasting only ten weeks, the ensuing conflict effectively ended Spain's colonial authority in the Americas, and allowed the US to acquire important new territories.

While often overlooked in favour of more recent history, the Spanish-American war helped define US foreign policy interests. The first US conflict fought jointly by northern and southern states since the Civil War, the Spanish-American war provides an early case study for key foreign policy concepts, including imperialism and expansionism.

The Vietnam War is a Case Study for Cold War Priorities and Proxy Conflicts

While European powers were recovering from the Second World War, the US assumed a dominant place in global affairs. America and the Soviet Union became natural counterweights, fighting the Cold War through proxy conflicts on the Asian and African continents. Beginning in 1955 with the USA becoming involved a decade later, the Vietnam War was intended to contain communism in North Vietnam.

By the time incoming president Richard Nixon signed a ceasefire in 1973, the conflict had claimed the lives of over 3 million people, including more than 58,000 American soldiers. Communists seized control of Southern Vietnam two years later, unifying the country as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

During their Master's in International Relations, Queen Mary Online students examine the Vietnam War as an instance of Cold War containment - a larger foreign policy commitment to limit Soviet influence around the world. US intervention in Vietnam also exemplifies how domestic pressures can shape the nature and duration of America's foreign entanglements. Facing bitter opposition in the US, the Vietnam War helped define 1970s counterculture, dividing American society and weighing heavily on future foreign policy strategies.

The Vietnam War had a lasting impact on US society

A Master's in International Relations Clarifies Current US Priorities 

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the international community entered a 'unipolar' phase - so-named because of America's singular strength, which went virtually unchallenged in the 1990s. On September 11 2001, however, US foreign policy priorities shifted dramatically. Claiming the lives of nearly 3,000 US citizens - the most ever on American soil - the 9/11 attacks raised new critical security threats around the world. The country deployed US troops in Afghanistan later that year, and in Iraq in 2003.

Studying the 9/11 attacks is important for students eyeing careers in foreign policy and security 

During their Master's in International Relations, Queen Mary Online students have the opportunity to revisit recent events to better understand the current geopolitical climate. 9/11 and the subsequent 'War on Terror' has shone a light on important international relations concepts, including domestic and international security threats, liberal interventionism, and asymmetrical warfare. These concepts find powerful case studies in contemporary American history, with implications that resonate in current US foreign policy.

Are you looking to learn more about American history and foreign policy at a top International Relations university?

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