Topic: American Imperialism: Assessing the Economic and Political Causes of Expansion

Reasons for Overseas Imperialism Nationalism and “spreading American Civilization” “scramble” for colonies International competition American ideals, Christianizing missions (Josiah Strong) Economics Markets for finished products Source for raw materials Racism WASP philosophy “White Man’s Burden” Savages Social Darwinism “Strenuous Life” –TR Imperialism and Masculinity National “duty” Captain Alfred T. Mahan The Influence of Sea Power upon History (1890)

A “Stronger” Foreign Policy Growing American involvement in foreign affairs Heated debates w/ Germany, Italy, Chile Britain and the Venezuela Crisis (1896)- Great Rapprochement Annexation of Hawaii American sugar plantations Queen Lilliuokalani 1893: Planter revolt Cleveland won’t annex (US is in the wrong) 1898: McKinley adds Hawaii to US territory

For and Against Hawaiian Annexation “The Hawaiian pear is now fully ripe, and this is the golden hour for the US to pluck it… Hawaii will provide valuable trade and a port for US ships on their way through the Pacific”. Vs. “The founders did not intend for us to bring other races into our nation if those nations are not capable of being self-governing republics. If we adopt a policy of acquiring tropical countries, we overturn the theory on which our government is established”.

The Spanish American War 1898 Causes Cubans revolting against Spanish rule Reconcentrados Threat to US investments Jingoism Yellow Journalism (Hearst & Pulitzer) The Maine McKinley declares war (1898) The Teller Amendment Fighting: “short war” US attacks Cuba, Philippines Battle of Manila Bay (Dewey) Rough Riders and San Juan Hill Spain outclassed, gives up (Paris Treaty) Results US a world power Control over Cuba, Philippines, Hawaii

Qs. 1. What were the most important factors that led to the creation of the above cartoon? 2. What is the desired message of the cartoon? Would Americans of 1898 agree with its message? Explain