Sections 3 and 4: Acquiring New Lands America as a World Power Label Notes as: America Claims an Empire Finish Acquiring New lands wkst Sections 3 and 4: Acquiring New Lands America as a World Power
Ruling Puerto Rico U.S. made no promises to Puerto Rico regarding independence or statehood 1900: Congress passed Foraker Act Ended military rule and set up a civil government US President could appoint governor
Cuba and the United States American troops occupied Cuba (though independent) 1901: U.S. insisted addition of Platt Amendment Cuba could not make treaties with foreign governments that limit its independence U.S. could intervene in Cuba U.S. could buy or lease land for naval stations
Protectorates protectorate Why? A country whose affairs are partially controlled by a stronger power. Why? Most important reason for U.S. to maintain a strong political presence in Cuba was to protect businesses that had invested in Cuba: sugar, tobacco, mining
Foreign Influence in China France, Germany, Britain, Japan and Russia established “spheres of influence” Areas where each nation claimed special rights and economic privileges Why did western powers seek to establish spheres of influence in China? Vast potential market Had already established prosperous settlements along coast of China
More Influence in China Who was John Hay? U.S. Secretary of State What were the Open Door Notes? Series of policy statements he issued in 1899 Afraid U.S. traders would be shut out of China Letters to leaders of imperialist nations proposing they share trading rights in China with U.S. thus Creating an “open door” w/ China No nation would have a monopoly on trade in China
Filipinos Rebel Philippine-American War February 1899 U.S. assumed same role that Spain had played Forced to live in designated zones 3 years to put down the rebellion 20,000 Filipinos died 4,000 Americans $400 million – 20 times the price US paid to purchase Why did Filipinos feel betrayed? Felt that U.S. had promised them independence
Open Door Policy Reflects American Beliefs Growth of U.S. economy depended on exports U.S. had right to intervene to protect foreign markets Feared closing of an area to America threatened U.S. survival
Panama Canal By the early 20th century, many Americans understood the advantages of a canal through Panama It would greatly reduce travel times for commercial and military ships by providing a short cut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans U.S. Supported a Panamanian rebellion against Colombia Paid $10 million + annual rent to Panama for land across Panama
So, why imperialism? America’s interference with events in Latin America only prove that we were buying into the idea of imperialism We felt we had a superior government We wanted to extend our beliefs outward Achieved 3 foreign policy goals: Expanded access to foreign markets Built a modern navy to protect our interests abroad Exercised international power to ensure dominance in Latin America