US Becomes a World Power 1890-1913

Imperialism A stronger nation dominates and controls a smaller nation Economic- control over the nations means of production Political- control over the weaker nations government

Reasons for Expansion Economic Factors Nationalism Military New markets to sell industrial goods Nationalism Belief in the supremacy of the American culture “Social Darwinism” Missionary Spirit: US had to “civilize others Military US military was superior and wanted to prove that we were more developed US Growing Navy needed islands for refueling stations on the way to the Asia

The most important reasons To protect American spheres of influence Areas a stronger nation controls without governing To protect American markets from foreign markets

"Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far."

Spanish American War 1898 CAUSES Economic interests in Cuba ($ugar) Gain territory “Yellow Journalism” exaggerated stories and reporting lies Sinking of the USS Maine

Spanish American War 1898 RESULTS: America gains control of some Spanish territories. Philippians Guam Puerto Rico Cuba War ends in less than a year “A splendid little war” …Teddy Roosevelt

*** The US becomes a world power This is important because after the Spanish American War the US becomes involved in many foreign conflicts…

Other Gains in Pacific Annex of Hawaii (1898) Samoa (1899) Open Door to China (1900)

Factors that lead to WWI Militarism- Build up of armies and navies Alliances- Nations organized against each other Imperialism- Competition for markets and colonies Nationalism- Belief your country is the best ASSASSINATION OF ARCHDUKE FERDINAND

UNTERSEEBOOT U-Boat = submarines May 7,1915 Germans sink British passenger liner Lusitania *Cause of American Entrance Into War Killed 1,200 passengers 128 Americans

SUSSEX PLEDGE On May 24,1916 Germans sink French passenger ship Sussex US threatened to cut off diplomatic relations with Germany if they didn’t stop submarine warfare

ZIMMERMAN NOTE Britain intercepts a telegram from Arthur Zimmermann, Germany’s foreign secretary to Mexico Telegram offers Mexico help if they fight the United States

Constitutional Issues Espionage Act of 1917 Crime to interfere with draft Crime to mail “treasonous” materials Sedition Act of 1918 Crime to say or publish anything bad about the government, constitution, flag, or military

Schenck v United States Supreme Court rules free speech can be restricted during wartime Clear and present danger “fire” in a movie theater

Red Scare 1918-1919 1917 Russian Revolution Communist state established Russia out of war Fear communism will sweep through US

WWI Peace November 1918 war ends Paris Peace Conference Jan. 1919 Allies win Paris Peace Conference Jan. 1919 Meeting of world leaders to discuss peace

14 Points Woodrow Wilson’s plan for peace No secret diplomacy Freedom of seas Free trade Reduce arms Self-Determination League of Nations

Treaty of Versailles Germany loses Blamed for war Reparations Loss of military Loss of land Loss of colonies