Becoming a World Power Copy the words in BLUE

Reasons for American Expansion Imperialism: one people ruling or controlling other peoples When America became a country, we did not look to set up colonies overseas. Involvement with other countries/lands could lead to war. George Washington believed the U.S. could not handle a war so early.

Reasons for American Expansion Late 1800s: – Nationalism: If the U.S. wanted to be a world power, we needed our own colonies. – Social Darwinism: The belief that American democracy was the best form of government and would spread throughout the world. Only the strongest survive – even governments

Expansion (cont.) – Foreign Markets: Farming and industry believed expansion would increase American money ($$$) 1898: U.S. exported more than it imported. Farmers wanted to sell products overseas. NATIONALISM, SOCIAL DARWINISM, FOREIGN MARKETS AMERICAN IMPERIALISM

Additions to the U.S – Matthew Perry opens up relations with Japan after 200 years of isolation 1867 – U.S. (William Seward) buys Alaska from Russia 1867 – U.S. annexes (adds) Midway Island – Wanted to use island as a “midway” point between America and Asia 1898 – U.S. annexes Hawaii after a revolt led by American farmers there

1898 – Spanish American War Causes of the war – 1) Americans wanted to help Cuba win their revolution for independence from Spain – 2) Yellow journalism = newspapers made up sensational stories (appealed to emotions) about what was going on in Cuba to sell more papers (Hearst & Pulitzer) – 3) U.S.S. Maine blew up in Havana Harbor, Cuba – newspapers blamed it on Spain

1898 – Spanish American War The WAR – Fought in Cuba (on land) and in the Philippines (naval battles) – American Navy destroyed the Spanish ships – Teddy Roosevelt led the Rough Riders group up San Juan Hill – Most fighting actually done by Cuban Revolutionaries and the African American infantry – Most casualties died from malaria (not bullets)

Peace Talks Peace Treaty with Spain – Treaty talks held in Paris – Cuba gets her independence – 1898 – U.S. receives Puerto Rico and Guam in Spanish peace agreement and pays for the Philippines ($20 million) After buying the Philippines: people turn to fighting for independence from the U.S. (5,000 lives lost)

Additions to the U.S. (cont.) 1899 – U.S. annexes Samoan Islands 1899 – Secretary of State, John Hay, asked countries to have an “Open Door Policy” with China – Every country should be allowed to trade with China – U.S. takes over the Canal Zone in Panama (control over the canal returned to Panama in 2000)