CASE STUDY HAWAII: Queen Liliuokalani Sanford Dole Military/ Strategic interests   Commercial/ Business Interests Social Darwinist Thinking/ belief in cultural superiority Sanford Dole

KEY QUESTION: Is imperialism a proper and legitimate policy for the US to follow at the turn of the century (1898)? One argument in favor:   One argument against: Using the arguments for and against American Imperialism of the time, you will defend your vote for or against ratifying the Treaty of Paris!

Should the Senate RATIFY the Treaty of Paris Should the Senate RATIFY the Treaty of Paris? (At end of Spanish American War) 30 pts- “RAFT” letter published to your constituents 30-27 26-22 21-10 Vote is clearly defended with historically accurate, detailed explanation of 2 reasons for your vote, and one argument against the other side Vote is defended, but reasons have some inaccuracies or lack detail Vote is defended, but very little detail or major inaccuracies

Spanish American War 1898 Background Role of yellow journalism The great debate of ‘98: Should America become an empire? Should we stay or should we go?

Background: Cuba- one of Spain’s last territories US- $millions invested in sugar right off coast of Florida 1895- Cubans Revolt

Spain’s misrule: Valeriano Weyler’s “Reconcentration” Policy

William Randolph Hearst “Yellow Journalism” - Sensationalized journalism meant to sell papers Joseph Pulitzer HEADLINE: Cuban Babes Prey to Famine Thousands of Children of the Reconcentrados Perishing in Island Towns Sights that Sicken Strong Men William Randolph Hearst

In February 1898, the USS Maine sinks off Cuba In February 1898, the USS Maine sinks off Cuba. Create an example of a “yellow journalism” headline

4- Remember the Maine and to Hell with Spain! Funeral for Maine victims in Havana

Ironically, what is the given reason we are going to war with Spain?

Theodore Roosevelt Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the McKinley administration. Imperialist and American nationalist. Criticized President McKinley as having the backbone of a chocolate éclair! Resigns his position to fight in Cuba.

The “Rough Riders”

The Spanish-American War (1898): “That Splendid Little War” Cuba: Freed from Spanish Rule- US occupies the island (TELLER AMENDMENT: Congress attached this to their declaration of war- The US would NOT annex Cuba after the war)

The Philippines

Dewey Captures Manila in Phillipines! CUBA PHILLIPINES

The Treaty of Paris: 1898 Cuba- A PROTECTORATE OF THE US US- gets Puerto Rico and Guam (island in the Pacific) The U. S. paid Spain $20 mil. for the Philippines. The Debate: Should we annex the Phillipines?

SHOULD WE RATIFY THE TREATY OF PARIS? The PHILIPINES: 64th largest country in world 39th largest economy Archipelago of 7,7107 islands of the coast of SE Asia 99 million people today Spanish colony for over 300 years 175 languages

For your document…. On the big sheet, in marker, in BIG LETTERS: What is the document? IDENTIFY SPECIFIC arguments the document makes for or against imperialism Be prepared to briefly present and explain to class (Identify some key phrases, main ideas)

For tomorrow- Using documents and your own thoughts, compile lists of arguments for and against annexing former Spanish territories Be sure to identify, by number, the documents used in your chart

Should America ratify the Treaty of Paris and take over the Philippines (become imperialist)? You and your group are part of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee deciding whether or not to ratify the 1898 Treaty of Paris Come up with specific reasons for and against ratification Present to the “Senate”- take notes on arguments VOTE: Which way would you vote on the Treaty of Paris? WHY?

Is becoming an empire “American”?

William H. Taft, 1st Gov.-General of the Philippines Great administrator. US control of Phillipines: 1899- 1946

Our “Sphere of Influence”