U.S. Imperialism abroad

U.S. First Contact with Japan: 1853 Begins w/Commodore Matthew Perry’s visit Perry comes with “black ships” and forces Japan to open up trade with the U.S. or else force would be used Japan quickly sees the technological gap as a threat Begins to adopt Western ways via Meiji Restoration Builds up a modern economy & navy by 1900

Seward’s Folly Seward's Folly (Seward’s Icebox)-Secretary of State William H. Seward purchased Alaska for $7.2 million from Russia in 1867. That’s 2 cents per acre! However, the whole bargain was ridiculed by Congress and not held in high esteem by the public. With the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 however, Alaska will soon be seen as a valuable purchase.

The Annexation of Hawaii In 1893, a small group of sugar and pineapple-growing businessmen, backed by the U.S. military, deposed Hawaii's queen, seized 1.75 million acres of land, and conspired for U.S. annexation of the islands, which was achieved in 1898. Hawaii became a state in 1959.

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR (1898) Causes of the War: 1. Despotic Spanish rule over Cuba A. Spain denied civil liberties & political rights B. Levied heavy taxes – restricted foreign trade C. Ruthlessly suppressed rebellions D. Spain finally abolished slavery in 1886 E. Economic depression brings another revolt for INDEPENDENCE

2. American Humanitarianism & sympathy A. Sympathized with desire for independence B. Outraged when over 200,000 Cubans died in concentration camps of hunger and disease

3. ECONOMIC INTERESTS A. American merchants traded with Cuba to the amount of $100 Million a year B. American investors placed $50 million in sugar and tobacco plantations.

4. “Yellow Journalism” A. William Randolph Hearst – NY Journal B. Joseph Pulitzer – New York World C. Both Newspapers sought to increase circulation by sensationalized news stories. Hearst’s Journal printed the Delome Letter Spanish ambassador calls McKinley “weak”

William R. Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer

Pulitzer vs. Hearst

5. Sinking of the Maine – Feb 1898 A. American battleship visiting Cuba blown up 260 Americans killed B. Cause: probably fire in a coal bin C. But, American public goaded on by the Yellow Press – blames SPAIN

The Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine To protect American citizens and interests in Cuba, Pres. McKinley sends the U.S.S. Maine to Cuba USS Maine explodes in Havana harbor Newspapers blame Spain Congress declares war on Spain, but will not annex Cuba (Teller Amendment) “Remember the Maine!”

Sensationalism – Yellow Journalism