2.  By the 1880’s many American leaders wanted to practice the idea of imperialism  Imperialism – the practice of stronger countries taking power over weaker countries.

3.  1) Many European nations had already started the practice of imperialism.  2) The belief that the people of America were better than the people of other countries (cultural superiority)  3) Military Needs – the navy needed bases around the world for refueling, repairs, etc.

4.  1) In 1867 America purchased Alaska from the Russians

5.  2) Annexation of Hawaii  Americans became interested in Hawaii because of its sugar plantations and pineapples (yes pineapples)  A group of American business leaders called the Hawaiian League forced King Kalakaua to sign a new Constitution called the bayonet constitution – restricted the king’s power and forced Hawaii to give the U.S. Pearl Harbor  In 1893 Queen Liliuokalani announced her plan to revoke the bayonet constitution, leading to a rebellion by the business leaders and her eventual surrender.  Sanford Dole (the pineapple guy) became Hawaii’s new President.  In 1898 President McKinley annexed Hawaii

6.  3) Influence in China  European countries like Russia, France, Germany, and Great Britain had carved out spheres of influence – areas of a country where an outside power has special political or economic influence  Since the U.S. was left out it proposed the Open Door Policy which called for equal trading rights for all countries with China  Many Chinese were unhappy with outside influences and it caused the Boxer Rebellion – a group of Chinese rebels raided Beijing. The European nations stopped the rebellion and forced the Chinese to agree to any and all of their demands

7.  4) Influence in Japan  The U.S. forced Japan to open for trade which allowed for Japan to become industrialized  The growth of power in Japan led to the Russo-Japanese War – war fought over control of Korea and Manchuria.  President Roosevelt helped to negotiate the treaty between the two nations and Japan’s victory helped it to become the strongest power in East Asia

8.  5) Spanish-American War  Americans became mad at Spain because of yellow journalism  Yellow journalism – news reporting that exaggerates the news in order to make it more exciting.  On February 15, 1898 the USS Maine exploded off the coast of Cuba.  SHEG: What happened to the Maine?  The cause of the explosion was unknown, but newspapers blamed Spain and Americans cried for war.  The most famous battle of the S-A War was the Battle of San Juan Hill where Teddy Roosevelt led the Rough Riders to a very important victory.

10. This song was rushed into print between the sinking of the Maine on February 16, 1898 and the declaration of war on April 25, 1898. Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry! How proudly sailed the warship Maine, a Nation ’ s pride, without a stain! A wreck she lies, her sailors slain. By two-faced butchers, paid by Spain! Eagle soar on high, And sound the battle cry Wave the starry flag! In mud it shall not drag!

12.  6) Acquiring new lands  When the US won the Spanish American War it received Puerto Rico and Guam from Spain  Set up a protectorate government in Cuba and the Philippines – the U.S. essentially controlled and protected these nations  SHEG: Filipino Cartoons and Opposition Assessment  The US forced Cuba to approve the Platt Amendment – limited Cuba’s ability to sign treaties and trade with other nations.  7) Built the Panama Canal  To cut down on ship travel the US took land from Panama to build the canal.

13.  8)By being “big brother” to Latin America  Roosevelt Corollary – President Roosevelt said that the United States has the right to protect its economic interests in South and Central America by using military force.

14.  9) With Money  President Taft supported an idea known as dollar diplomacy – America bought out loans that Latin American countries had with Europe so that those countries now owed the U.S. money  When a revolt occurred in Nicaragua Taft sent troops to stop the rebels and protect American economic interests

15.  10) Interfering in Mexico  A revolution was occurring in Mexico from 1911-1913. The U.S. did not support Victoriano Huerta who eventually took power  Tampico Incident – In 1914 nine American sailors were arrested in Tampico but quickly were released. The U.S. demanded that Mexico not only apologize but give a 21 gun salute to the American flag. When Mexico refused President Wilson ordered troops into Mexico.  At the Battle of Veracruz the U.S. took the city and six months later Huerta resigned.  Revolution in Mexico continued under the leadership of Pancho Villa. American forced tried to capture Villa but in 1917 American troops were withdrawn due to the start of World War I