1. Unit 3: America as a World Power
America Reaches for Empire

2. Essential Question What role should the U.S. have in the world?
Do our values, as well as economic, technological, and military power give us the responsibility to help countries (and people) in need around the world? (humanitarianism)
Is it in our own interest to help? (utilitarianism / realpolitik)
Consider:
Are there any events or situations that you think would call for some foreign involvement? 
Does the world need a strong dominant country/countries to police it? Why or why not?
If foreign involvement in an independent country might benefit the world (Panama Canal, eradication of small pox) is it justified?

3. Content Questions
Why did the United States seek to extend its international influence in the late 19th & early 20th centuries?
What events led the U.S. to enter the Spanish-American War?

4. Isolationism & Expansionism
Isolationism – policy of having no contact with foreign countries
Expansionism – policy of seeking to increase the territory of one’s country

5. The American Paradox
The United States has pursued BOTH isolationism and expansionism simultaneously
HOW?

6. Washington’s Farewell Address
“The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.”
“Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice?”

7. Washington’s Farewell Address
“Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course.”

8. Monroe Doctrine
The U.S. will not interfere with existing colonies or Europe
European powers should not interfere in the western hemisphere
Western Hemisphere = U.S. sphere of influence

9. Manifest Destiny
The U.S. has a divine right to expand across the entire continent. It is… our destiny!

10. American Expansionism

11. American Motives for Expansion
Imperialism – policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories
Global competition
Military Strength
New Markets
Belief in cultural superiority

12. Global Competition
The race for empire…

13. Military Strength
Admiral Alfred T. Mahan of U.S. Navy urged government to build up American naval power to compete with other powerful nations

14. New Markets Industrialization has created a surplus of goods
U.S. needs raw materials for factories and new markets to sell its goods
Imperialists argue foreign trade will keep U.S. economy strong

15. Belief in Cultural Superiority
Social Darwinism
Racism
The “White Man’s Burden” poem by Rudyard Kipling 1898

16. The White Man’s (?) Burden

17. Cuba Spanish empire is collapsing Still holds Cuba, 90 miles from U.S.
Jose Marti leads revolution and war for independence against Spanish in 1895
Marti wants U.S. to intervene
“Cuba Libre!”

19. Yellow Journalism
Newspaper wars between William Randolph Hearst (New York Journal) and Joseph Pulitzer (New York World)
How do you sell more newspapers?
Sensational style of writing, exaggerated news, meant to lure readers = yellow journalism – fans war fever
Hearst = “You provide the pictures, I’ll provide the war”

20. The De Lome Letter Pres. McKinley attempts to avoid war
New York Journal prints private letter from Spanish minister to U.S. (Enrique Dupuy de Lome)
Criticizes the president, calling him “weak” and “a bidder for the admiration of the crowd”

21. U.S.S. Maine U.S. warship explodes in Havana harbor, killing over 260
Cause unknown
Newspapers immediately claim Spanish guilt
“The warship Maine was split in two by an enemy’s secret infernal machine”
$50,000 reward for capture of guilty Spaniards
“Remember the Maine! To Hell with Spain!” becomes cry for war

22. The Maine & Yellow Journalism

23. “A Splendid Little War”
U.S. wins in 15 weeks
U.S. Navy destroys Spanish fleets in Philippines and Cuba
Most soldiers did not see any fighting. Over 10x as many died of disease than of wounds suffered in battle
Use of censorship and propaganda in U.S.
What should be done with liberated territory?