“It has been a splendid little war; begun with the highest motives, carried out with magnificent intelligence and spirit” - Secretary of State John Hay, 1898 How is this description of war unusual? Why would anti-imperialists and pacifists object to this description?

The Spanish American War (1898) Underlying Causes Economic - we desired trade with Spain’s colonies. Humanitarian – we were concerned about Cuban people Expansionist – we were competing for overseas territories Immediate Causes Yellow Journalism: Exaggerated, false, or biased news reporting Jingoism: super patriotism and demand for government actions Sinking of the U.S.S. Maine

Wreckage Photos

Wreckage of the U.S.S. Maine

W. R. Hearst (& Joseph Pulitzer)

Yellow Journalism – exaggerated or false news reporting designed to gain support for the war

War in the Philippines

Events of the War President McKinley asks Congress for war, Congress declares war in April. War lasted 4 months. American victory is overwhelming. Commodore Dewey defeated Spanish navy at Manila Bay, Philippines. (Major success for our new Navy) U.S. land forces defeated Spanish in Cuba. (Teddy Roosevelt led “Rough Riders” at San Juan Hill.) More soldiers died from disease than combat.

War in the Caribbean

Charging San Juan Hill

Territorial Gains Peace treaty get US new territories: (under U.S. control) Cuba Guam Puerto Rico the Philippines Some Americans formed the Anti-Imperialist League, opposing the creation of an American colonial empire.

U.S. Territories in the Pacific

New U.S. Territory Cuba U.S. military government put in place. Commission was sent to Cuba to fight disease. Constitution drafted and included Platt Amendment, allowing American intervention in Cuban affairs Puerto Rico Like Cubans and Filipinos, Puerto Ricans had hoped for independence. Made a U.S. territory Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917. The Philippines Spain surrendered Philippines for $20 million. Filipinos revolted against U.S. control. Conflict ended in 1902. Congress passed Philippine Government Act in 1902. Platt Amendment – U.S. had right to intervene in Cuba at any time (repealed in 1930’s).

To Imperialize or not to Imperialize? Imperialists (in favor) Economic need Naval bases White man’s Burden Abandonment of territory is weak Honorable to those who lost their lives Anti-imperialist (opposed) Financial burden Solve problems at home Non-whites should not be assimilated More military involvement Violation of democratic principle

American Empire (1898) What does that mean for us? Can a democracy be a colonial power? How do we keep this empire? Should we keep it?

T.R. and U.S. Role in Latin America The Panama Canal allowed the United States to become more involved in Latin America. American military power grew stronger and allowed the United States to enforce the Monroe Doctrine. President Roosevelt created a policy called the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine to force debtor nations to repay loans to Europe—the United States would intervene in any “wrongdoing” by Latin American countries. The United States became the “international police power” in the Western Hemisphere.

The United States in Latin America

The Panama Canal

Promoting Interests in Latin America President William Howard Taft acted to protect U.S. interests in Latin America. Used dollar diplomacy policy—influencing governments through economic, not military, intervention Loaned money to Nicaragua in exchange for control of the National Bank of Nicaragua and the railway Sent U.S. Marines to Nicaragua in 1911 to protect American interests Woodrow Wilson believed that the United States had a moral obligation to promote democracy. Often sent troops into Latin America to prevent foreign intervention or political unrest Sent troops to assist Mexico’s government in the Mexican Revolution

Foreign Policy Washington’s Farewell Address United States will not become involved in European affairs. Monroe Doctrine United States will defend its interests in Western Hemisphere and keep European powers out. Roosevelt Corollary United States will police wrongdoing by nations in Western Hemisphere. Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy United States will use economic means to aid its interests in Latin America. Wilson and Democracy The United States will promote and protect democracy in the Western Hemisphere.

Evolution of U.S. Foreign Policy

Review