UNIT 10: The Rise of American Imperialism Hawaii, Asia, and Latin America

 From the Civil War until the 1890s, most Americans had little interest beyond our shores…  Building a global empire seemed inconsistent with America's democratic principles.

 The exception to the rule was Alaska: rich in natural resources  1867, Sec. of State William Seward bought it from Russia for $7 million (2 cents/acre)

 By mid-1890s, a changing American attitude toward expansion. Why?  Reason 1 : , the European powers seized 10 million square miles of territory in Africa and Asia. About 150 million people were subjected to colonial rule.

 By the 1890s, the American economy was increasingly dependent on foreign trade.  1/4 of the nation's farm products and 1/2 its petroleum was sold overseas.

 During the late 19th century, the idea that the U.S. had a special mission to uplift "backward" people around the world also commanded growing support.

 Alfred Thayer Mahan, a naval strategist and the author of The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, argued that national prosperity and power depended on control of the world's sea-lanes. "Whoever rules the waves rules the world," Mahan wrote.

 During the late 1880s, American foreign policy makers began to display a new assertiveness. The U.S. came close to declaring war on Germany, Chile, and Great Britain.

 1893: small group of sugar and pineapple-growing American businessmen (incl. Sanford Dole)  backed by the U.S. military, overthrew Hawaii's Queen Liliuokalani  seized 1.75 million acres of land  They conspired for U.S. annexation of the islands, which was achieved in 1898.

 Cuban nationalists revolted against Spanish rule.

 With millions invested in Cuban sugar industry, U.S. businessmen persuaded the U.S. gov’t. to take action…the USS Maine was sent to rescue US citizens who might be endangered by the revolt.

 On February 15, 1898 the Maine mysteriously blew up in Havana Harbor  the US blamed Spain  the American public was stirred into an anti-Spain frenzy by the “ yellow journalism” (sensationalized stories) in newspapers published by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer

 The U.S. fought Spain in Cuba and in the Philippine Islands.  The 144-day war resulted in the US taking control of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

 By 1899, many countries had economic interests in China (England, Germany, etc.)  U.S. wanted in…  Sec. of State John Hay issued the Open Door Notes which called for China’s ports to remain open to all nations

 Secret society in China…the Boxers  Wanted all western countries OUT  Rebellion broke out…put down by troops from many western nations  John Hay issued 2 nd Open Door Note warning against further European colonization in China

 McKinley assassinated 1901…T. Roosevelt became Prez…con’t. American imperialist policy  Driving force behind Panama Canal (to get the Canal built, U.S. helped Panama win independence from Colombia)  Why? U.S. control of the Canal allowed U.S. navy (and U.S. merchant ships) to move quickly b/t the 2 oceans

 Monroe Doctrine (1823): The U.S. will not allow European influence in Western Hemisphere TR: Roosevelt asserted US right to use military in Latin American to protect American interests

 U.S. emerged as a world power by 1900  Possessions in the Pacific  Influence in Latin American affairs  Growing influence in China  Had world’s 3 rd strongest Navy  Ready to be a player in world politics