American Imperialism Period 7: 1890 – 1945

Motives for imperialism Economic Open up new markets Access to cheap raw materials Political Desire to compete w/ other nations Strategic/Military Acquire naval bases around the world Ideological White Man’s Burden – duty to spread “superior” civilization

Spanish American war – 1898 Feb. 1898 – USS Maine explodes Cuba – Spanish colony Revolts are becoming more common Concentration camps U.S. investments in sugar plantations Feb. 1898 – USS Maine explodes Yellow journalist blame Spain Apr. 1898 – U.S. declares war on Spain U.S., Cuba, & Philippines v. Spain Teller Amendment : U.S. has no intention of taking over Cuba

Begins in the Philippines Spanish American war – 1898 “Splendid little war” Lasts 4 mo. & 400 Americans die from fighting Begins in the Philippines Spanish fleet defeated in Manila Bay

Spanish American war – 1898 Treaty of Paris Impact of war U.S. acquires Guam, Cuba, Puerto Rico & Philippines Spain is paid $20 million Impact of war Question about what to do w/ new territories Anti-Imperialist League – oppose annexation of Philippines

Panama Canal TR will pursue expansionist policy “Speak softly & carry a big stick” Attempted to get Colombia to allow the construction of a canal – rejected TR secretly supports Panamanian independence Completed in 1914

Roosevelt Corollary Monroe Doctrine (1823) English warships are sent to LA to collect debt Roosevelt Corollary – U.S. has the right to intervene in LA Strained relationship w/ Latin America