The United States in the Becoming a World Power The United States in the 20th Century

IMPERIALISM Imperialism- Practice of extending the power of a nation by direct territorial acquisition of colonial empires.

THE PRESSURE TO EXPAND more natural resources, By the twentieth century, European countries control much of Africa and Asia. This imperialism is the result of a need for more natural resources, the rise of nationalism- Sense of pride or loyalty to a nation, advances in military technology, and a belief that it is the duty of Europeans to spread Western civilization.

All the countries of Europe were doing it, why not the U.S. too?

Foreign Policy in the Late 1800s Although the United States generally avoids involvement in foreign affairs in the 1800s, William Seward purchases Alaska from Russia in 1867. By 1870 President Grant announces that the Monroe Doctrine would protect the Caribbean Islands and Latin America from "transfer to a European power.”

Reason of Expansion By the late 1800s the United States is producing more than it can consume, causing financial panics, and many American business leaders argue for expansion in international markets. Other business leaders invest in the economies of foreign nations, particularly in Central America, setting up what become known as banana republics.

Another factor in the United States' decision to expand is preservation of the American spirit. Some Americans see expansion as a way to revitalize the pioneer spirit, while social Darwinists believe that expansionism is both the nation's destiny and a noble pursuit. Growing interest in foreign expansion helps lead to rebuilding the U.S. Navy. By 1900 the United States has one of the most powerful navies in the world.

THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR In the 1890s the United States becomes increasingly involved in Latin America. Example: By intervening in a dispute between Britain and Venezuela, the United States affirms the Monroe Doctrine and establishes itself as a growing world power.

Issues in Cuba After years of struggling for independence from Spain, Cuban exiles seek U.S. support, but the U.S. government refuses. Following Cuban guerrilla attacks on American-owned sugar plantations in Cuba and inflammatory media coverage, people begin to pressure the government to take action. Yellow Journalism

Early in 1898 President McKinley sends the U. S. S Early in 1898 President McKinley sends the U.S.S. Maine to Havana's harbor. When an explosion sinks the Maine on February 15, killing 260 American sailors.

The U.S. declared war on the Spain “Remember the Maine” The U.S. declared war on the Spain

“A splendid little war.” A U.S. Fleet commanded by Commodore George Dewey blasted up a Spanish Fleet in the Philippines and captured the Islands. Cuba took a little longer, but it also fell. The 4 months of war cost 5,642 American lives, all but 379 to disease. The U.S. made itself an empire over night.

The U.S. Gains Territories The United States gains control of the: Philippines, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific island of Guam. The United States also annexes Hawaii in 1898. By 1900 America is no longer isolated.

A NEW FOREIGN POLICY By 1900 the US is a world power. Looking for a better route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, A canal across the Central America linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans was the best option. This was the dream of people of many nations for years. Because of the new Naval bases in the Caribbean Sea the U.S. thought they need a Canal. The Best spot for a canal was country of Panama.

The Big Ditch The U.S. tried to negotiate a Treaty with Colombia (They owned Panama at the Time). U.S. offered $10 million and $250,000 each year to operate the Canal Zone. Colombia rejected the treaty holding out for more money. Roosevelt plotted a revolution in Panama to make it a independent country form Colombia.

The Big Ditch Continued In 1903 The Panamanians began a rebellion and then read a formal Declaration of Independence. 2 days later the U.S. recognized the Republic of Panama. The new government of Panama accepted the U.S. offer, 10 year later the canal was completed.

President Roosevelt adds to the Monroe Doctrine with his own Roosevelt Corollary. It establishes the United States as "an international police power." Under this "Big Stick Diplomacy," intervention in Latin America continues to grow, which angers Congress and Latin Americans. At the same time, Roosevelt is praised for negotiating a peace agreement between Japan and Russia in 1905.

The Great White Fleet 1907-1909 Teddy Roosevelt had been building a stronger and Modern Navy. He sent the entire American Fleet of 16 battleships around the world to show off the U.S might.

President Taft, elected in 1908, focuses on investments in foreign economies. This dollar diplomacy – policy of using economic influence, rather than military force, to protect U.S. interests in Latin America. creates enemies in Latin America. Taft's successor, Woodrow Wilson, decides that democratic governments, not U.S. dollars, would kept European powers out of Latin America. Example: U.S. interference in a Mexican civil war sours relations between the two countries for years to come.

DEBATING AMERICA'S NEW ROLE Not all Americans support America's new role in foreign affairs. In 1898, people arguing that imperialism is undemocratic, racist, and harmful to American workers form the Anti-Imperialist League. Another group, mostly southern Democrats, is afraid that imperialism would bring more people of different races into the US

From abroad, America's power and involvement are viewed with both resentment and gratitude. The United States spends the rest of the century dealing with these conflicting responses.