1. Imperialism and America
American Expansionism
Seward’s folly
Yellow Journalism
De Lome Letter
USS Maine
“A Splendid Little War”

2. American Expansionism
Global Competition
Imperialism—policy of
extending control over weaker
nations
Ex: Scramble for Africa/China

3. American Expansionism
Desire for Military Strength
COMPETITION
U.S. builds modern battleships, becomes third largest naval power

4. American Expansionism
Thirst for New Markets
U.S. farms, factories produce more than Americans can consume
Needed raw materials + new markets for goods
Solution = Foreign trade

5. American Expansionism
Belief in Cultural Superiority
Social Darwinism + belief in superiority of Anglo- Saxons
Duty to Christianize, civilize “inferior peoples”

6. The United States Acquires Alaska
William Seward
1867, arranges purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million for 2 cents/ acre
Alaska called “Seward’s Icebox,” “Seward’s Folly”
IRONY = Alaska rich in timber, minerals, oil

7. The United States Takes Hawaii
The Cry for Annexation
Merchants, missionaries, and businessmen invested in Hawaii
U.S. builds Pearl Harbor naval base with king’s permission.
Businessmen pressure U.S. to annex Hawaii

8. The United States Takes Hawaii
Queen Liliuokalani overthrown by business owners.
Set up government headed by Sanford B. Dole
Dole wouldn’t give Queen power back so U.S. made Hawaii an official state

10. Cubans Rebel Against Spain
American Interest in Cuba
Wanted to buy Cuba from Spain
90 miles from Florida
Cuban War for Independence
U.S. public opinion split:
Businesses want to support Spain
Others favor Cuban cause: “Cuba Libre”

11. War Fever Escalates Spain forced Cubans into Concentration camps
American newspapers report on the brutality
Headline Wars
Yellow journalism—sensational writing used to lure, enrage readers

12. The De Lome Letter Headlines increased American sympathy
Private letter by Spanish minister in Cuba, Enrique de Lome published
Insulted President McKinley
American public angry despite Spanish apology

13. Explosion of the Maine
February 15, 1898

14. Explosion of the USS Maine Havana Harbor, 1898

15. U.S.S. Maine

16. “Awake United States!” Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry!
This song was rushed into print between the sinking of the Maine on February 15, 1898, and the declaration of war on April 25, 1898.
Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry!
And how proudly sailed the warship Maine,
a Nation’s pride, without a stain!
A wreck she lies, her sailors slain.
By two-faced butchers, paid by Spain!
Eagle soar on high,
And sound the battle cry
Wave the starry flag!
In mud it shall not drag!

17. The Spanish-American War
Why did the United States Invade Cuba?

18. “A Splendid Little War”
Very inexpensive war to fight
April-August: only 15 weeks
Revenge against Spain for:
Not selling Cuba
The De Lome Letter
**The Explosion of the Maine
New territories in strategic locations
Guam, Puerto Rico, Buys Philippines,
Controls Cuba
Seen as a prominent World Power
Access to new markets for trade!