American Imperialism

America and Expansion Imperialism: the policy by which stronger nations extend control over weaker ones. Economic Interests Military Reasons Cultural Superiority Look to the Pacific, Asia, and Caribbean

Ethnocentrism

The White Man’s Burden

Commodore Matthew Perry: opens Japan to trade in 1854 (Economic and Military)

Perry being greeted in Japan (1854)

Japanese View of Perry

William Seward: Sec. of State under Lincoln and Johnson, purchases Alaska (Economic and Military)

May 30, 1867: Purchase of Alaska

2 ½ cents per acre ($7.2 million total)

Queen Liliuokalani: last ruler of Hawaii, attempted to return control of Hawaii back to her people

U.S. Influence in Hawaii First immigrants: Planters and missionaries (early 1800’s) U.S. uses Pearl Harbor as a “coaling and repair station” (1874) Planter uprising deposes the queen (1893) U.S. annexes in 1897 Cultural Superiority, Military, and Economic Reasons

Hawaii’s Importance

Spanish-American War Adds New Territories Cuban freedom fighters, 1895

General Valeriano Weyler “The Butcher” Creates “internment camps” for Cuban rebels and civilians Causes great American sympathy for Cuban cause

American vision of the Spanish

The Battleship Maine: sent to protect U.S. interests (Jan. 1898)

U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor

Feb. 15, 1898: Maine explodes; Spanish blamed

Yellow Journalism: exaggerating stories to fit an agenda

“U.S. to the Rescue”: war is declared on Spain

Commodore George Dewey: sent with Pacific Fleet to Hong Kong (by Theodore Roosevelt)

Battle of Manila Bay: huge U.S. victory, all Spanish ships destroyed

News of the Victory

Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt: organizes 1st U. S Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt: organizes 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry (“Rough Riders)

“Rough Riders” on San Juan Hill

Mass burial of American troops (most die from disease)

Spoils of War U.S. gains Puerto Rico, Guam, and Philippines (Military and Economic) Platt Amendment: U.S. may intervene in Cuban affairs

10,000 miles from tip to tip

Spheres of Influence in Asia

On to China Spheres of Influence: areas where foreign powers claim special rights and privileges Open Door Policy: no single country has monopoly on trade with China (Economic) Boxer Rebellion: revolt led by Chinese unhappy with foreign dominance

U.S. influence by 1906