Using the image on the left, answer the following on a scrap piece of paper: What do the people/objects in the image represent? Be as specific as you can. Considering the body language, facial expressions, etc. in the cartoon, what is going on in the cartoon? 3. How does then artist feel about what is happening to China? Explain your reasoning.

In your groups, analyze your documents & summarize what happened for the class. Consider the following: Who was involved? Was there conflict between the U.S. and another country/group of people? What land was gained? What was the benefit of getting this territory? Any interesting pieces of information for us to know?

U.S. Expansion in the Pacific Captain Alfred T. Mahan believed America’s survival depended on a strong navy. This strong navy would require island possessions to serve as naval bases. Mahan: “turn their eyes outward, instead of inward only, to seek welfare of the country.” Japan Japan was closed off to trade except one small port. Americans feared the British would seize the opportunity for Japanese trade relations first. Commodore Mathew Perry was sent to Japan on behalf of President Filmore to discuss opening trade. The Japanese agreed to minor trade concessions in hope of preventing a European poser from imposing even greater concessions.

Footholds in the Pacific Islands in the Pacific were important for stops for coal, provisions, and repairs. The U.S. built bases on the islands of Midway and Samoa. Americans started building plantations, railroads, and businesses in Hawaii, dominating the island’s economy. Many native Hawaiians wanted “Hawaii for Hawaiians” while others called for annexation by the United States. Queen Liliuokalani was determined to eliminate American influence, but her monarchy was overthrown. Hawaii was annexed by the U.S. after President William McKinley was elected in 1896.

Spanish-American War Cuba was under Spanish control before the turn of the century & was going through a revolution. The U.S. offered to purchase Cuba from Spain, but Spain refused the offer. In an effort to keep Americans safe, President McKinley sent the U.S.S. Maine into Cuba to remove Americans on the island. The U.S.S. Maine exploded in Havanna Harbor. Yellow journalists from the U.S. were quick to blame the Spanish, even though there was no substantial evidence that is was the fault of the Spanish.

McKinley ordered Spain call a cease-fire with Cuban rebels. Congress quickly spent $50 million to prepare the nation for possible war. McKinley ordered Spain call a cease-fire with Cuban rebels. Two days after Spain agreed to the cease fire, McKinley asked congress to use military force to end the Cuban conflict. Essentially a declaration of war. Two largest battles of the Spanish American war were Manilla Bay and San Juan Hill. More men died of disease than the fighting. After San Juan Hill, the Spanish surrendered.