America as a World Power Chapter 18 (3-4) notes

The US Emerges as a World Power The US emerged from the Spanish- American War as a world power, with an empire that stretched from the Caribbean to the South China Sea. Two important consequences of US expansion were: The US assumed a new international role as a world power. A heated nationwide debate over the correctness of the US acquiring and ruling people in other territories began.

The Philippines Becomes a US Colony President McKinley decided that the Filipinos were “unfit for self-government.” He did not want to return the island to Spain; In his opinion the best choice was for the US to educate and uplift the Filipino peoples The Filipino people, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, believed the US had promised independence for their help in defeating Spain - they were wrong. In February 1899, the Filipinos led by Aguinaldo revolted. A three year conflict ensued until the US declared the revolt crushed in 1901

Two Very Different Wars! The Spanish-American War War in the Philippines (The Filipino Insurrection) A declared War US supported a revolution to bring independence to Cubans Short (almost 4 months) and popular war Very few military and civilian casualties Easy victory over an uninspired enemy An undeclared war US put down a revolution to deny independence to Filipinos Long (almost 3 years), unpopular and divisive war Many military (4,000 US/20,000 Filipino) and civilian (220,000) casualties Difficult jungle guerilla warfare against a determined enemy

Anti-Imperialism Anti-imperialists included both Democrats and Republicans and members of all social classes. Some were driven by moral and humanitarian sentiment (questioned Social Darwinism) Some feared that US intervention (even trading) abroad would lead to war with such powers as Japan Imperialism was un-democratic! How could we claim to be a democracy - founded on equality and freedoms outlined in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence - yet rule people in other countries, denying them these basic principles of democracy?

Racism in Anti-Imperialism Some that dark-skinned peoples from US colonies would detract from our white Anglo-Saxon “purity” and never embrace democracy Labor unions feared that labor from peoples in the new territories– either abroad or imported to the US – might reduce the wages of the American worker

The Anti-Imperialism League Shortly after the war with Spain, well known US leaders organized the Anti-Imperialism League. (Andrew Carnegie, Mark Twain, Jane Addams) The league opposed US control of the Philippines The league continued to fight against the imperialists policies throughout the early 1900

US Influence Grows As a result of the Spanish-America War US influence in Latin America and Asia grew considerably The foreign policies of presidents Roosevelt, Taft and Wilson increased US involvement in the affairs of Latin American and Asian countries

Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Policy Roosevelt pushed for greater US involvement in world affairs to promote American prosperity and influence His foreign policy is best summarized by the West African proverb: “Speak softly and carry and big stick.” This meant that the US should use diplomacy (“speak softly”), yet back it up with a strong military – especially naval – presence (the “big stick”) This led to an aggressive foreign policy in Latin America and growing dislike of America in these countries

Roosevelt Corollary Roosevelt’s “big stick” policy led the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, in which TR stated that the US had a right to act as international police in Latin America From 1900 – 1917, the Roosevelt Corollary was used to justify US involvement in the Dominican Republic, Panama, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and Haiti US “involvement” included sending troops, controlling governmental budgets, running elections, and the construction of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal The Spanish American War created a need for a quick route between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean A French company started the project, but was unable to finish. They offered the project to the US for $100 million and the US accepted the offer for $40 million

Original Canal Route in Nicaragua

Panamanian Revolt Panama was a province of Columbia and the Columbian government wanted to wait until the French lease expired on the land and charge more money for the canal Teddy Roosevelt was outraged and worked with an official from the French company to start a revolt The US recognized the independent Panama and in return Panama gave the US a land grant

Peace Agreement In 1905, TR mediated The Portsmouth Treaty – A peace agreement between Japan and Russia ending the Russo-Japanese War His successful efforts in negotiating the treaty and ending the war won him the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize A good example of the US’s new international role!

“Open Door” Policy Roosevelt policy encouraged an “open door” FREE TRADE policy in Asia – specifically China (every country should have the right to sell their goods in China) It also demanded that all countries respect China’s independence

Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy” Taft’s foreign policy was called “Dollar Diplomacy,” It encouraged US businesses to invest $$$$ in foreign countries in Asia and Latin America. Taft believed that dollars, not bullets, would increase US influence and prosperity as well as promote worldwide stability He ordered troops to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, arguing that the use of force was necessary to teach certain nations how to establish law and order

Wilson’s “Missionary Diplomacy” Wilson’s foreign policy was called “Missionary Diplomacy” It said the US had a responsibility not to recognize any Latin American government that was oppressive, undemocratic or hostile to US interests He wanted to protect US economic interests as well as promoted democracy Wilson policy was tested when he sent troops against the Mexican presidents wishes to capture rebel leader “Pancho” Villa who was blamed for killing 19 Americans