American Imperialism
The Growth of Imperialism Europe leads the way. By 1800s much of Asia and Africa were under European nations. Imperialism- stronger nation attempting to create empires by dominating weaker nations economically, politically, and culturally. Many Americans wanted to own overseas colonies to catch up.
Why Imperialism Grew FOUR FACTORS 1. Economic Factors Growth of industry Manufacturing created a need to find new markets to sell goods 2. Nationalistic Factors a. Nationalism- belief that ones nation’s people, ideals, and goals were superior of other nations.
Why Imperialism Grew 3. Military Factors a. European armies and navies were more technologically advanced, making colonization easier. b. Alfred Thayer Mahan The Influence of Sea Power 4. Humanitarian Factors a. Josiah Strong “White Mans Burden”
Why Imperialism Grew Social Darwinism Survival of the Fittest / Rule by the Strongest Census of 1890 Closing of the Frontier Frederick Jackson turner “Frontier Thesis”
Expanding US Interest A. America’s Road to Imperialism 1.Monroe Doctrine (1823) America would remain neutral in foreign affairs. But, if needed would act. 2.Manifest Destiny- -belief that it was America’s destiny to control both coasts of the continent.
Expanding US Interests 3) US buys Alaska from Russia (1867_ Aleutian Islands “Seward’s Folly” 4) Japan- forced to trade in 1853 5)1870 US announces it will not allow European nations to control Latin American nations.
Arguments for US Expansion Promoting Economic Growth Economic Expansion becomes main reason for the support. Americans were producing more than Americans could consume. New markets to avoid financial panics B. Protect American Security 1. US develop a more powerful Navy, to protect new markets abroad. 2. By 1900 US has one of the most Powerful navy’s in the world.
Arguments for US Expansion C. Social Darwinism- “Survival of the Fittest” D. By the turn of the century many Americans favored expansion. a) US soon realizes that confrontations and bloody conflicts are the price of imperialism.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR! Cuban Rebellion Cuba had long been revolting against Spain, its colonial occupier. In 1865, Spain sends in 150,000 troops to crush rebellion. 200,000 Cubans die Many Cubans living in US urge US to step in and end the violence. 3. US refuses , but after sugar plantations are destroyed by Cuban rebels US changes their mind.
YELLOW JOURNALISM Demands for US involvement in the Cuban conflict come from newspapers. a) Two NY papers competing for readers reported exaggerated and many times fake stories to increase sales. -Joseph Pulitzer (New York World) -William Randolph Hearst (New York Journal)
YELLOW KID The Yellow Kid 1. Born: 1894 Birthplace: New York, New York Best known as: Early comic strip star by R.F. Outcault
Spanish-American War Steps to War Riots break out in Cuba, prompting McKinley to send USS Maine to protect US citizens in Cuba. The deLome Letter- written by Spanish Ambassador to Mexico, but was intercepted. Said McKinley was weak 3) Explosion of the MAINE- Feb 15th 1898, battleship MAINE explodes in Havana Harbor. * Americans used it to blame the Spanish 4) Preparing in the Philippines- Naval ships sent to Philippines in case war broke out with Spain
Spanish-American War B. A Splendid Little War 1. First Action of war takes place in the Philippines 2. George Dewey- US Naval commander that attacked Spain’s pacific fleet in the Philippines. a) entire fleet wiped out in 7 hours 3. Spain’s Atlantic fleet was trapped in Santiago 4. Rough Riders- Volunteer cavalry a) Led by future president Teddy Roosevelt C. The Treaty of Paris 1. US Signs treaty with Spain in December 1898 2. US gains Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico
New Challenges After the War Dilemma in the Philippines Developing a policy for imperialism Warned to take Philippines before Europe Philippines wanted independence. War breaks out US forces killed 16,000 Filipino rebels and 200,000 civilians The Philippines becomes independent 1946
New Challenges After the War B. The Fate of Cuba 1. Many Cubans felt US just replaced Spain as its colonial occupier 2. US said they would remove troops if they added the PLATT AMENDMENT to their Constitution. PLATT AMENDMENT- a) Cuba cannot enter into foreign agreements b) Cuba must allow the US to establish naval bases on the island. c) Cuba must give the US the right to intervene whenever needed.
Other Gains in the Pacific Annexations of Hawaii 1. American Planters Sugar 2.Naval Base Pearl Harbor 3. Hawaiian monarchs gave more power to Americans in Hawaii
Other Gains in the Pacific B. Lili’uokalani 1. Became Queen in 1891 2.Sought to take power back from Americans 3. Planters Revolt (1893) Supported by US Marines 4. Republic of Hawaii 5. Territory until 1959
Open Door Policy in China 1. US becomes interested in trade with China because of its population and markets. Spheres of Influence Chinese regions Foreign powers in control Limited trade
Open Door Policy US wanted to trade with China There should be no spheres of influence China’s independence should be respected Wanted to Protect US interest.
Gains in the Pacific An attempt to set up a democratic governments in China US and other European powers used this as an excuse to use force in China and open them up for trade. Boxer Rebellion Revolutionary group in China called the boxers started a campaign to rid China of all foreigners.
“Speak softly and Carry a big Stick”