1. The US becomes an imperialistic power
US Unit Seven
The US becomes an imperialistic power

2. U.S. was still expanding Westward
The United States did not become involved in Imperialism until 1890 because:
U.S. was still expanding Westward
Rapid Industrial growth kept the U.S. preoccupied
Most veterans didn’t want to fight another war (Civil War)

3. Why did we Imperialize? International Darwinism Missionaries
Josiah Strong, Our Country: Its Possible Future and Present Crisis (1885)
“White Man’s Burden”
Politicians in bed with Big Business
Henry Cabot Lodge (Mass.) and Teddy Roosevelt (NY)

4. Spanish-American War (“Splendid Little War”—John Hay)
In 1895 Cuba revolted against Spain due to an economic depression caused by falling sugar prices and tobacco prices
Reconcentration-Spain sent many civilians into heavily guarded camps
225,000 people died during this time

5. Reasons for U.S. involvement
Yellow Journalism
American newspapers started writing articles about Cuban women being raped, tortured and executed (Joseph Pulitzer—NY World and William Randolph Hearst NY Journal)
Cuban Revolt had been happening for 10 years
Jingoism
strong sense of nationalism with a desire for adventure
De Lome Letter (1898)-Article written by Spain's minister to the US insulting President McKinley
USS Maine
sunk on February 15, 1898
explosion on board of the ship which was off the coast of Cuba

6. Yellow Journalists

7. McKinley’s War Message
“Put an end to the barbarities”
Protect American lives in Cuba
Secure commerce, trade and businesses
End “the constant menace to our peace” arising from the disorders in

8. Teller Amendment
After Congress authorized a war on April 20, They also stated that the US had no intention of taking control of Cuba and that the US would leave once peace was restored.

9. The War Admiral Dewey destroyed the Spanish fleet
Teddy Roosevelt and the “Rough Riders”
2500 Americans died , only 400 from battle

10. Treaty of Paris Spain recognized Cuba as an independent country
Spain paid Cuba $20 million
U.S. received Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico
Platt Amendment—Cuba could not enter into agreements with other countries without U.S. approval and the U.S. had the right to intervene in Cuba when necessary

11. Effects of the War Spain recognized Cuba’s independence.
U.S. set up naval bases in Cuba.
Guantanamo Bay.
U.S. maintained power to intervene in Cuba.

12. The US Gained an Overseas Empire
The Treaty of Paris granted three Spanish colonies to the US:
The Philippines
Guam
Puerto Rico
Managing the Colonies:
The Philippines remained a US territory until after WWII
Guam and Puerto Rico remain US territories
Both are self-governing and their citizens have been granted US citizenship

13. Open Door Policy Deals with China
Sec of State John Hay sends a letter to European powers stating that all countries have an equal right to trade with China
Chinese Response to forced trade—BOXER REBELLION