Imperialism Mid 1800s-early 1900s

What is Imperialism? Imperialism is a policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker territories/nations. How does imperialism apply to the United States?

The Causes of Imperalism Raw materials and natural resources (tea, rubber, iron, petroleum) were acquired from other countries. Access to new economic markets (Extractive economies) Took raw materials and sent them to the US and other countries Military Strength—increased naval power (3rd largest worldwide) and built USS Maine. Social Darwinism (survival of the fittest) The belief that certain races/nations were superior to others and destined to rule. Manifest Destiny-U.S. felt it was a God-given right to expand its governance. Expanded all the way to the Pacific Ocena

Imperalism (continued) Spreading Democracy US purchased Alaska, which was rich with timber, oil, and other natural resources. US expanded its trade and investments to Latin America US acquired Hawaii.

Queen Liliuokalani Resented increasing the power of the white planters. Abolished the constitution that gave whites power. Queen of Hawaii who gave the U.S. naval rights to Pearl Harbor in 1887. Overthrown by American settlers in 1893.

The Spanish-American War America had invested $50 million in sugar cane plantations in Cuba. Cuba rebelled against Spanish rule when Jose Marti initiated a war for independence from Spain. The rebellion caused an economic hardship for America. America’s dislike for Spain was heightened by William Randolph Hearst with the “Yellow Press.” Pres. McKinley warned the Spanish to establish peace or it would step in.

"Yellow journalism" Term used to describe the sensationalist newspaper writings of the time. They were written on cheap yellow paper. The most famous yellow journalist was William Randolph Hearst. Yellow journalism was considered tainted journalism - omissions and half-truths.

Maine explodes February 15, 1898 - An explosion from a mine in the Bay of Havanna crippled the warship Maine. The U.S. blamed Spain for the incident and used it as an excuse to go to war with Spain. Caused the Spanish-American War Yellow Press blamed Spain, then Pres. McKinley declared war.

Treaty of Paris Ended the Spanish-American War Spain gave up control of Guam, Puerto Rico, and Philipines

Big Stick Diplomacy Theodore Roosevelt’s policy of creating and using a strong military to achieve America’s goals.

Big Stick Diplomacy Although used before his presidency, Roosevelt used military muscle several times throughout his two terms with a more subtle touch to complement his diplomatic policies and enforcing the Monroe Doctrine throughout multiple interventions in Latin America. This included the Great White Fleet, 16 battleships which peacefully circumnavigated the globe as an illustration of United States' rising yet neutral prestige under Roosevelt's direction.

Panama Canal Shorten the travel distance between the Atlantic and Pacific ocean Benefited trade and Navy

Panama Canal Treaty 1978 - Passed by President Carter, these called for the gradual return of the Panama Canal to the people and government of Panama. They provided for the transfer of canal ownership to Panama in 1999 and guaranteed its neutrality.

Roosevelt updates Monroe Doctrine Monroe Doctrine - Efforts by European nations to colonize land or interfere with states in North or South America would be viewed as acts of aggression, requiring U.S. intervention. (1823) Roosevelt Corollary- states that the United States will intervene in conflicts between European countries and Latin American countries ,rather than having the Europeans handle their claims directly. (1904)