The Rise of American Imperialism Hawaii, Cuba, the Philippines, and Latin America
Anti-Imperial Sentiment From the Civil War until the 1890s, most Americans had little interest in territorial expansion: Imperial rule seemed inconsistent with America's republican principles. The US did not welcome people with different cultures, languages, and religions.
United States Foreign Policy 1890-1914 US Imperialism: Arguments for Expansion Expand business interests-US economy boomed. Companies built overseas factories. Need new markets to prevent financial panics. Military interests–International competition for colonies would leave America behind. 1890 funding approved for 3 battleships (US becomes 2 ocean navy). International navy needs coaling ports. Social Darwinism- US must expand to survive. Whites are superior race. Must spread superiority Spread Christianity-All nations should be Christian. Bring values to “backward” people American Frontier Closed - US pioneer spirit looks towards foreign interests. Expand or explode
Acquisition of Alaska/Hawaii In 1867, Sec. of State William Steward arranged to buy Alaska from the Russians for $7.2 million (two cents per acre). Rich in natural resources (timber, minerals, and oil) US also seized Hawaii to grow sugar and pineapples there.
European Imperialism By the mid-1890s, a shift had taken place in American attitudes toward expansion. Why? Between 1870 and 1900, the European powers seized 10 million square miles of territory in Africa and Asia. About 150 million people were subjected to colonial rule.
Response Card 1. Why did European expansion of their military, territory, and resources cause the United States to change their attitude about imperialism? 2. Is this a valid (good) reason to practice imperialism?
The White Man’s Burden During the late 19th century, the idea that the United States had a special mission to uplift "backward" people around the world also commanded growing support.
Origins of Spanish American War The Tariff of 1894, which put restrictions on sugar imports to the United States This severely hurt the economy of Cuba which was then a Spanish colony. People began to revolt!
The USS Maine The US, which had many businessmen with investment interests in Cuba and became concerned. The US dispatched the USS Maine to rescue US citizens who might be endangered by the conflict.
The Effects of Yellow Journalism On February 15, 1898 the Maine mysteriously blew up and the US blamed a Spanish mine. When the American public was stirred into an anti-Spain frenzy by the yellow journalism of men like Hearst and Pulitzer, President McKinley gave the OK for war.
Yellow Journalism Use of sensational or exaggerated headlines to grab readers attention. Used to persuade readers even if the news story is untrue.
Treaty of Paris After the US defeated Spain, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million. This was a drastic step forward for US imperialism because the Philippines were not even close to the US like (Alaska/Hawaii/Cuba)
American Atrocities Filipino revolted to resist American control, they wanted their own freedom The American military forcibly relocated or burned villages, imprisoned or killed non-combatant civilians, and used torture techniques.
The Roosevelt Corollary In 1904, Germany demanded a port in the Dominican Republic as compensation for an unpaid loan, Theodore Roosevelt announced the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, declaring that the United States would be the policeman of the Caribbean and Central America, European powers should stay away.
Alfred Thayer Mahan His concept of "sea power" was based on the idea that countries with greater naval power will have greater worldwide impact Is this still true today?
China: Open Door policy Spheres of Influence-European nations had divided up China for trading purposes 1899 John Hay (Sec. of State) called for 1. US demand open access to all of China’s coastal ports to all countries 2. eliminate special privileges for any trading nations 3. maintenance of China’s independence