The Roots of Imperialism
Imperialism: ● strong nations controlling weaker territories politically, economically and socially.
Causes of Imperialism Raw materials/natural resources Opportunity for more markets Imperialism forces nations to expand their military Alfred Mahan: ●military historian and officer in the Navy; ●encouraged Americans to increase naval power and create foreign bases to refuel and gather fresh supplies
Justifying Imperialism Superiority/Social Darwinism Manifest Destiny
Americas steps towards world power 1867: US takes possession of Midway Islands 1875 and 1877: US increases trade with Hawaiian Islands and gives US right to have naval base in Pearl Harbor 1867: Secretary of State William Seward buys Alaska from Russia for $7.2m Those opposed called Alaska “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox” Alaska doubled size of US and is rich in timber, oil and other natural resources
Americas steps towards world power Increasing influence in Latin America 1889: Secretary of State James Blaine sponsors the First International Pan-American Conference Economic cooperation with 17 Latin American countries Created the Pan-American Highway system linking the US with Central and South America
1887 US convinces King Kalakaua to amend Hawaii’s constitution 1893: US overthrows Queen Liluokalani b/c she was imposing high tariffs on farmers and abolished the constitution President Benjamin Harrison annexes Hawaii but can’t sign the treaty b/c term was over. President Cleveland does not sign treaty 1898 William McKinley signs the treaty after the outbreak of the Spanish- American War.
American Jingoism(aggressive nationalism)
What were the causes and effects of the Spanish-American war?
US invests $50m in sugar-cane plantations and other businesses in Cuba
The Spanish-American War 1895 Cuban patriot Jose Marti launched a war for independence from Spain Used guerilla tactics Cubans and Spanish destroy American property US has sympathy for Cubans b/c of Revolution US journalists highlight the war with comic strips and headlines on front pages (called ‘yellow press’) McKinley warns Spanish to establish peace or the US will step in
The War con’t Spain refuses to give Cuba independence McKinley orders the battleship Maine to protect American citizens in Cuba Secret letter denouncing McKinley from Spain infuriates American jingoism (aggressive nationalism and relations with Spain) After making the letter public the Maine blows up. Journalists automatically accuse Spain
The war con’t 11 April 1898 McKinley asks Congress to declare war Congress creates 4 resolutions to independence Fourth resolution—the Teller Amendment—said US had no intentions of annexing Cuba Spain declares war on US
The war con’t American troops battle Spanish 1898 Commodore George Dewey brings his vessels to Manila Bay in the Philippines. Americans surprise Spanish fleet and destroy them Spanish surrender to US and US captures Guantanamo Bay
The war con’t Some US troops called Rough Riders—led by Theodore Roosevelt They were rugged westerners and upper class easterners Intricate in America’s victory
Effects of the War 1898 US and Spain sign Treaty of Paris Spain gives up most control over Cuba, Puerto Rico and Guam Sold Philippines to US for $20m
Target Goal Make a Positive/Negative T-chart about Roosevelt. Then, look at the reasons why Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln are on Mt. Rushmore and create a criteria. Looking at your +/- chart, do you think T. Roosevelt is worthy enough to have his face on Mt. Rushmore next to Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln? Defend your answer. You should discuss the criteria of having a face on Mt. Rushmore and why he does/does not fit that criteria. How does he compare to the other presidents?