John Sherman’s tenure as Secretary of State under President McKinley was a period defined by internal conflict and contrasting influences on American foreign policy. Appointed in 1897, Sherman, a seasoned political figure, found himself increasingly at odds with the President and his administration, significantly shaping his impact on diplomacy during a pivotal era for the United States.
From the outset, Sherman’s appointment was somewhat politically motivated. President McKinley, seeking to secure a Senate seat for his ally Mark Hanna, offered Sherman the cabinet position. However, this strategic move soon revealed its drawbacks as John Sherman frequently deviated from McKinley’s intended foreign policy direction. His dissenting voice grew stronger, leading to open criticism of the administration from within its own cabinet.
This divergence created significant friction. President McKinley and other cabinet members gradually sidelined Secretary Sherman, a situation exacerbated by the rising influence of Assistant Secretary of State William R. Day. In a stark display of Sherman’s diminishing role, Day often took his place at Cabinet meetings, effectively marginalizing the Secretary of State in key policy discussions. It was Day, not Sherman, who negotiated critical matters such as the annexation of Hawaii, a significant step in American expansionism, and the intricate policies concerning Spain as the two nations drifted towards war.
Despite these limitations, John Sherman was not without influence. He effectively championed the U.S. interpretation of most-favored-nation status in international trade agreements, ensuring American commercial interests were protected on a global scale. Furthermore, Sherman actively pursued and secured commercial concessions for the United States in China. These efforts laid important groundwork for what would later become the Open Door Policy, a cornerstone of early 20th-century American foreign policy in Asia. His expertise in commercial matters allowed him to shape these specific aspects of international relations.
However, Sherman’s overall position weakened by the internal discord meant he was unable to effectively oppose key administration objectives. His objections to the U.S. acquisition of Cuba and his resistance to war with Spain were ultimately overruled. This internal struggle culminated in Sherman’s resignation in protest just four days after the commencement of the Spanish-American War in 1898. His deep-seated bitterness towards President McKinley and his administration persisted until his death in 1900, marking a contentious end to his service and highlighting the complex dynamics of his influence on American diplomacy during a transformative period.
