American Imperialism
American Expansionism Imperialism- policy in which stronger nations extend their economic political, or military control over weaker territories Global competition America warmed up to the idea of expansion, to compete with Europe Desire for military strength Global presence Build up naval power, 9 steel hull cruisers, modern battleships Thirst for new markets Producing a lot of goods Need for raw materials Belief in cultural superiority Social Darwinism Spread Christianity and civilization to inferior people
Hawaii and Alaska $7.2 million bought Alaska from Russia in 1867 2 cents per acre Hawaii Important for decades for USA Calls for Annexation so no duty on sugar Naval base at Pearl Harbor Overthrew Queen Liliuokalani, set up new government under Sanford Dole 1898 Congress annexes Hawaii
Spanish-American War Cuba Rebels against Spain United states interest in Cuba Tried to buy it First rebellion got rid of slavery Second war for independence Jose Marti launched revolution Guerilla campaign USA Split due to plantations
War fever escalates Headlines war De Lome Letter U.S.S. Main Explodes Exaggerated accounts in US to sell newspapers American Sympathy rose Yellow journalism- sensational journalism De Lome Letter McKinley wants peace Letter criticizes president calling him weak U.S.S. Main Explodes Sent to bring Americans in danger home Ship explodes in Havana harbor, no one knows why Newspapers say Spanish did it
War with Spain Erupts War in the Philippines War in the Caribbean Commodore George Dewey Blew apart Spanish fleet in 2 hours Fought with Filipinos, 11,000 Americans Victory in 2 months War in the Caribbean Naval Blockade of Cuba Strong navy, small professional army, 125,000 volunteered Not enough modern guns to go around Wool clothes unsuitable to Cuban Climate Rough Riders Army of 17,000 landed in Cuba Cavalry led by Theodore Roosevelt, declared hero on San Juan Hill Spanish fleet destroyed trying to escape Treaty of Paris Fighting lasted only 15 weeks Cuba Freed, Guam, and Puerto Rico given to US, Philippines sold to US for $20 Mil
Ruling Puerto Rico Military rule Return to Civil Government Controlled by military till congress said otherwise Return to Civil Government Wanted statehood Used to defend canal site and Caribbean presence Foraker Act, ended military presence US Citizens
Cuba American Soldiers Platt Amendment Occupied by US Provided food and clothing, schools and rebuild, eliminated yellow fever Platt Amendment Cant limit independence US reserved right to intervene US could buy or lease land for naval situations Protectorate Protecting American Business Interests
Filipinos Rebel Philippine-American War Aftermath of the war Same role Spain played Designated zones 3 years to put down rebellion 20,000 rebels dead Aftermath of the war Set up government similar to Puerto Rico
China John Hays open Door notes Boxer Rebellion in China Afraid of China being carved up Imperialistic powers share trade rights Boxer Rebellion in China Killed missionaries Britain, France, Germany, Japan and USA sent troops 2 months Protecting American Rights Keep markets open Right to export
Panama Canal Created Rebellion in Panama 15 days after Panama independence from Colombia, US signs treaty with them Pay $10 mil for area Ranks as one of worlds greatest engineering feats More than 43,400 worked on the canal, even from Italy and Spain 5,600 workers died $380 Mil 10 yrs to build
Latin American Policy Monroe Doctrine Roosevelt Taft Wilson “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Taft Dollar Diplomacy Wilson Missionary Diplomacy Mexican Revolution US gets involved Hunt for Pancho Villa Barely Avoid War with Mexico