Imperialism Ch. 17

Imperialism Economic and political domination of a strong nation over other weaker nations

Reasons for Imperialism Economics Raw materials New markets to sell goods Jobs needed Don’t Write! Beveridge- “We are making more than we can use. Therefore, we must find new markets for our produce, new occupation for our capital, new work for our labor.” Superiority Social Darwinism Fiske- believed English-speaking nations had superior character, ideas, & systems of govt. & were destined to dominate the planet. (Anglo-Saxonism)

U.S. Then, Then, & Now NOW 2010 THEN 1796- George Washington’s Farewell Address “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.” NOW 2010 THEN 1845- Manifest Destiny- believed it had been the nation’s destiny to expand west to the Pacific Ocean

Expansion in the Pacific 1853- Commodore Matthew Perry (no, not the guy from Friends) entered Yedo (Tokyo) Bay to open trade between the U.S. & Japan

Hawaii 1887- planters pressured the Hawaiian king to accept a new constitution limiting his power 1891- Queen Liliuokalani ascended the throne (planters forced her to give up her throne) 1898- US annexed Hawaii

“Speak Softly” vs. Dollar Diplomacy “Speak softly & carry a big stick” -Roosevelt Roosevelt Corollary- the U.S. would intervene in Latin American affairs when necessary to maintain stability Dollar Diplomacy- Americans would invest in foreign economies Taft “substituting dollars for bullets”

Spanish-American War Feb. 1898- U.S.S. Maine exploded in the Havana, Cuba harbor (266 died) Accidental fire or a mine?

Remember The Maine Cuba in the middle of a revolution against Spain We supported Cuba’s independence Many Americans blamed Spain for the explosion

Yellow Journalism *today we have National Inquirer, Star, etc.* Sensational reporting—writers exaggerated or even made up stories to attract readers April 19,1898- U.S. declared Cuba independent April 24- Spain declared war on the U.S.

Theodore Roosevelt Election of 1900- Pres. McKinley assassinated Roosevelt- his VP Believed America should increase their power in the world Helped lead the “Rough Riders” with Leonard Wood, in the war (when he was assistant sec. of the navy)

Peace Treaty July- US takes San Juan and Kettle Hill (all black 9th & 10th cavalry regiments fought at Kettle Hill) Aug. 12, 1898- Spain & the U.S. declare a cease-fire Treaty of Paris (1898): Cuba became an independent country US acquired Puerto Rico & Guam US pays $20 mil. for the Philippines (1946- independence given to the Philippines)

Open Door Policy U.S. feared China would be carved into colonies & American traders would be shut out 1899- U.S. proposed the Open Door Policy- kept China open to all nations (for trading)

U.S.- “Look at me! Look at me!” 1907- Roosevelt sent 16 battleships on a voyage (“parade”) around the world to showcase the nation’s military might! “THE GREAT WHITE FLEET”

Panama Canal Roosevelt wanted a shorter route from the Atlantic to the Pacific French started the canal, but quit after disease & bankruptcy 1903- U.S. offered Columbia $10 mil & a yearly rent of $250,000 to build the canal (Columbia refused)

U.S.- “We always get our way”! 1903- U.S. encouraged Panamanians to revolt against Columbia 2 weeks after- U.S. & Panama sign treaty for U.S. to build the canal (took 10 years to finish) 1999- Panama officially took over the canal William Gorgas (Alabamian)- helped stop the spread of yellow fever & encouraged use of mosquito nets during the building of the canal