US Imperialism: Foreign Policy in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era US/VA History Mr. Reed 1

What we need to learn (SOL VUS.9) Emerging role of US after 1890 –Changing policies toward Latin America and Asia; increased power and influence –Specific initiatives such as the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, Open Door policy, Dollar Diplomacy –Spanish American War and Philippine insurrection 2

Essential understandings Many twentieth-century American foreign policy issues have their origins in America’s emergence as a world power at the end of the nineteenth century. America’s intervention in World War I ensured her role as a world power for the remainder of the century. The growing role of the United States in international trade displayed the American urge to build, innovate, and explore new markets. 3

Big questions Why did the United States abandon her traditional isolationist foreign policy? How did the United States expand her influence in the world? 4

Key issues and people Vocabulary –Annex/annexation –Imperialism –Insurrection Issues and events –Spanish American War –Roosevelt Corollary –Open door policy –Dollar Diplomacy People –William McKinley –William Jennings Bryan –Theodore Roosevelt –Alfred Thayer Mahan –William Howard Taft 5

US foreign policy in the Gilded Age Last marking period, we learned about the growing feeling that the white “race” (and in particular, Americans) was inherently superior to other “races” We also learned of the growth of large corporations We learned that the Gilded Age was a period of significant technological progress, with the invention of improved methods of communication (radio, phonograph, etc.), transportation (car, airplane), and mass production (corporation, assembly line, etc.) The US finally completed the settlement of the last portions of the “lower 48 states” 6

Effect on foreign policy What effect would these developments be likely to have on US attitudes toward relations with other countries, particularly our relations toward –Latin America –Asia –Countries that are still Spanish colonies (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines) –Small island countries in the Pacific and Caribbean 7

In general … US less interested than some European powers in acquiring a worldwide empire US interest was more in preserving its political control of Western Hemisphere and opening other parts of the world to trade Creation of a large Navy created need for widely dispersed naval bases Frequent interventions to protect US commercial interests (banks, oil industry, etc.) 8

Spanish American War Instigated by US to eliminate remnants of the Spanish empire Explosion of battleship USS Maine in Cuban harbor provided provocation 9

Spanish American War Battle of Manila Bay, admiral Dewey destroyed Spanish fleet in brief encounter Brief land campaign in Cuba resulted in total rout of Spanish army Policitian Theodore Roosevelt gained fame with chart of “Rough Riders” up San Juan Hill 10

Results of the war Very light casualties US acquired remnants of Spanish empire, notably Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines US dominated Cuban affairs for next 60 years, but didn’t annex them Annexed Puerto Rico Occupied Philippines for next 50+ years 11

Controversy Strong opinions on both sides about US imperial possessions and emerging conflict in Philippines 12

Anti-imperialist cartoons 13

Results of Spanish American War US acquired an “empire” Theodore Roosevelt became a national hero, nominee for VP in

Philippine Insurrection US had fought alongside Filipino rebels and stated they were fighting to “liberate” the Philippines Turned around after the Spanish surrender and took over Filipino rebels continued the fight against the US Very nasty jungle war –First experience for US of “counterinsurgency” warfare –Eventually won, held onto Philippines until 1940s 15

Major interventions Hawaii. Toppled queen, 1893; took over 1898 Mexico. Border warfare during Mexican Revolution. US intervened (sent troops) several times Interventions in Dominican Republic and Nicaragua Panama. Encouraged province to declare independence from Colombia; negotiated favorable agreement to build Panama Canal 16

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US policies Open door policy Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine “Dollar diplomacy” Great White Fleet. Worldwide “tour” by US fleet, projection of US power 18

Open Door Policy Various European powers were competing to establish colonies or areas of influence in China US argued for “open door” policy, which would allow everyone access to Chinese markets 19

Roosevelt Corollary Extension of Monroe Doctrine: US has a right to intervene in Latin American affairs to prevent European interference Used to justify a wide range of interventions 20

Roosevelt Corollary Advertised as a program aimed to keep Europe out, but was used to justify a wide range of US interventions 21

Other actions by Roosevelt Also intervened to ensure construction of Panama Canal Persuaded Columbia’s province of Panama to declare independence and supported their independence with US forces 22

Dollar Diplomacy Policy of Taft encouraging US investment in Latin America Promised to intervene to protect US investments Led to increased US investment in Latin America (and increased interventions) 23