1. American Imperialism

2. Imperialism– building an empire by creating colonies or conquering weaker countries Isolationism– avoiding involvement in affairs of foreign countries

3. Alaska and Hawaii Sec of State Wm. Seward buys Alaska from Russia, 2cents an acre People called it Seward’s Folly– thought it was a waste, frozen and useless Hawaii ruled by a queen, revolt happens and we annex- (take over) the island, lots of US business already

4. Japan and China Japan isolated themselves for years, Matthew Perry and US navy force our way into Japan to trade

5. China defeated by Japan, other nations carve up China’s resources, we didn’t want to be left out Open Door Policy– all countries should have rights to trade in China

6. Spanish-American War Cuba wanted indy from Spain, Americans saw similarities to our rev. The media starts yellow journalism– exaggerating stories to sell papers, Cuban situation blown out of proportion USS Maine in Cuban harbor, blows up killing 260, cause unclear, we blame Spain

7. US captures Spanish Philippines near Japan, and sends troops to Cuba Unprepared for war, wool in jungles, diseases Rough Riders– famous cav. group lead by Teddy Roosevelt

9. US traps Spanish fleet in Cuban harbor and wins the war quickly We get control of Cuba, Puerto Rico and Philippines in the treaty

10. Latin America Panama Canal– link Atlantic and Pacific, cut 8,000mile trip, unite US navy US controlled canal zone for 100 yrs Tough to build, tropical diseases, mountain range, 6,000 killed building it

11. Roosevelt uses Monroe Doctrine– Europe stay out of affairs in Western Hemisphere US takes on role of police officer in Central and South America “Speak softly and carry a big stick…” Taft uses dollar diplomacy– use $ to help countries rather than send military