American Imperialism
Background to American Imperialism Industrial Revolution: New sources of raw materials New markets for manufactured goods Closing of the frontier: Turner thesis (1893) Sufficiently populated—must look outward for opportunity
Background continued Example of European nations American nationalism Major nations were engaged in imperialist activities Stimulates American interest abroad American nationalism Must assume place as a great power Alfred T. Mahan Admiral in the Navy “Influence of Sea Power upon History” (1890) Required coal stations By 1900—3rd most powerful navy Steamships were a factor in allowing expansion
Background continued Darwin’s theories formed the basis for expansionist attitudes Nations struggled for existence Strong nations will ultimately dominate the weak Josiah Strong: Anglo-Saxon race was “divinely commissioned” to spread its institutions throughout the world Americans were destined to lead the world
McKinley: First Imperialist President American imperialism varied in its forms Not always wholesale takeover Cultural imperialism Economic imperialism America in the Caribbean McKinley believed we were the dominant power there Was willing to be tougher on the Spanish than Cleveland America in Asia Greatest variety in types of imperial action
Hawaiian Acquisition Strategic location Bayonet Constitution Queen Lil tried to eliminate American influence—overthrown Settlers set up Republic of Hawaii 1898—McKinley Hawaii is annexed Importance Produces sugar and pineapple Tourism Military installations
Spanish American War: 1898 Early American interest Spanish rule US is sympathetic Economic interests Remember the Maine TR and the Rough Riders—Battle of San Juan Hill “A splendid little war” Treaty of Paris Yellow Journalism
US Relations with Cuba Temporary occupation Protectorate: Teller Amendment Platt Amendment Can’t sign treaty that would threaten independence US may intervene to protect life, liberty or property US gets naval bases
Territorial Acquisition from the Spanish American War Puerto Rico Foraker Act President appoints governor and the upper house Lower house elected Philippines Trade Bases “White man’s burden” Guam
Philippines: Insurrection Believed they would be independent Emilio Aguinaldo led an insurrection After three years the rebels are suppressed
Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine US can intervene wherever there is “chronic wrongdoing” TR uses this in the Dominican Republic Derives “Big Stick” policy
Roosevelt and Panama American interest American diplomacy Hay-Pauncefote Treaty (1901) Spooner Act Columbia TR and the Panama revolution Building the canal
Imperialism in China The appeal of China Spheres of Influence American relations with China Open Door Policy (1899) Boxer Rebellion (1900)
Taft and Wilson Taft’s policy is called Dollar Diplomacy Wilson’s policy is Moral (Missionary) Diplomacy Applied in the Mexico situation