USA as an Empire No experience in colonialism Many felt an empire betrayed what our founding fathers wanted Cuba & Philippines had wanted independence, not a new master
Platt Amendment Gave Cuba independence in 1899 Limited Cuba’s right to make treaties and borrow money Allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuba Gave the U.S. control of the naval base in Guantanamo Bay Independence?
Guantanamo Bay Today Guantanamo is still a U.S. Naval Base owned by USA Cuba gained full independence 31 years later (1930) Guantanamo is also where suspected terrorists are being held
Puerto Rico Made a US Protectorate 1917 became American citizens Serve in US military Pay US taxes Can collect Social Security Not allowed to vote
Philippines Continued to fight against Americans for independence 220,000 Filipinos died, including 20,000 Filipino soldiers. Independence in 1946.
Panama Canal Roosevelt becomes President after McKinley is assassinated USA needs to quickly move from Atlantic to Pacific Ocean Decides to build canal through Panama
Panama Canal France began construction on the canal in 1881. Led by engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps About $287,000,000 had been spent 20,000 French men had died Mostly of yellow fever and malaria, French gave up
Panama Canal Colombia refused to grant the U.S. permission to complete the canal project. Therefore, the U.S. encouraged the Panamanian people to revolt against Colombia. On November 3, 1903, Panama declared their independence from Colombia and allowed the U.S. to build the canal.
Panama Canal Animation: How the Panama Canal Works