Imperialism at the Turn of the Century How does America become a world power?
Imperialism: a policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories Why would US want to expand its territory like Europeans? 1. Military Strength: other nations have strong military so should US (Alfred Mahan) 2.New markets: US needs raw materials & markets to sell prdcts 3.Cultural Superiority: manifest destiny, Social Darwinism
Beyond the shining seas 1867: Secretary of State William Seward wants to buy Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million Some in congress question the decision calling it “Seward’s folly” Congress approves sale, Alaska rich in gold, oil & timber
US Annexes Hawai’i 1887: Hawaiian King allows US to build military base at Pearl Harbor, American sugar planters account for 75% of Hawaii’s wealth 1890: US puts tax on imported sugar (protect domestic industries) American businesses in Hawai’i want the US to annex the country to avoid tax, Pres. Cleveland refuses request 1893: Queen Liliuokalani tries to change Hawai’i’s constitution, give more power to Hawaiians less to foreigners American businessman overthrow Queen in a coup 1894: Sanford Dole is named President of the Republic of Hawai’i 1898: Dole asks US to annex Hawai’i, Pres. McKinley agrees
Cuba wants independence US offered to buy Cuba from Spain in 1854, Spain refuses 1868: Cuba declares independence from Spain Cubans lose 10 yr Rev War, US economic influence increases 1895: Jose Marti starts 2nd war of indp. Marti uses guerilla warfare, destroys sugar plantations, hopes US will intervene Spain responds to rebels by sending Gen. Weyler Yellow Journalists like Hearst & Pulitzer spread stories about “Weyler the Butcher” American sympathy grows for the “Cuba Libre movement” In secret letter, Spain’s minister Dupuy de Lome calls McKinley weak
Marti killed in fighting, Americans upset at Spanish insult – McKinley sends USS Maine to bring home Americans in Cuba Feb 15, 1898 USS Maine blows up in Havana Harbor Yellow Journalists say Spain sinks ship, in reality a boiler exploded near weapons - Hearst offers $50K reward - “Remember the Maine” McKinley asks Congress to declare war US opens the war by attacking Spanish colony of the Philippines, not Cuba McKinley tells Filipinos that US is there to free them Rough Riders led by Asst Navy Secy Teddy Roosevelt invade Cuba Spain loses the war, US gives $10 million for control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam & Philippines
Aftermath of the War – Puerto Rico During war US promises to bring Puerto Ricans protection PR is strategically important, so US makes it a territory (colony) 1917: Puerto Ricans given US citizenship & have right to elect Governor & members of PR legislature Cuba ● Gets independence, US troops remained in Cuba Platt Amendment – 1) No treaties w/ foreign govs 2) US gets land on the island for Navy 3) US can intervene if problems ● US will support Cuban leaders who protect American interests The Philippines Despite promising independence, Philippines annexed by US ● 1899: Emilio Aguinaldo leads rebellion against US ● US begins forcing Filipinos into segregated zones ● US crushes rebellion, Philippines independent in 1947
List all objects & words in the cartoon List any action you see in the cartoon (what is the eagle doing?) What does the cartoonist say about American Imperialism?
51st State? P. 353 Now & Then How many times have Puerto Ricans voted on their future and what has been the result? What benefits/disadvantages come with being a commonwealth? If you were a lived on Puerto Rico would you want statehood or to remain a territory? Pros Cons Vote in federal elections Must pay Federal Income Tax Get reps in Congress May lose “Spanish” culture More job opportunities Lose Olympic team