18.3 ~ The United States & East Asia

How did the United States extend its influence in Asia? America’s decision to keep the Philippines helped expand U.S. influence, compete with European colonial powers, gain Asian markets, and extend American culture to the people of Asia. Imperialism in East Asia brought greater power and wealth to Americans, but it also increased political tensions in Asia.

Following the Spanish-American War, the United States decided to retain possession of the Philippines. This angered Filipino nationalists like Emilio Aguinaldo who had fought aside the Americans to oust Spain. Aguinaldo used guerrilla warfare (non-traditional warfare involving small bands of fighters that attacked behind American lines) in an organized insurrection (a rebellion) against the United States.

The American military used extraordinary measures to crush the rebellion: One commander, General Jacob Smith, even told his men, “the more you kill and burn, the better you will please me.” Brutality was defended in the American press with racist statements such as, “they must yield before the superior race.” The U.S. reacted with brutality and racism. Villages were burned and suspected “insurrectos” shot.

1901 - Americans captured Aguinaldo, which marked the beginning of the end of the insurrection. The U.S. spent over $400 million to defeat the Filipino insurgency 5,000 Americans were killed 200,000 Filipinos were killed

In 1901 the insurrection ended and William Howard Taft was appointed governor of the Philippines. Taft wanted to help the Philippines and gain support of the Filipino people: He censored the press and jailed dissidents 2. He established a health care system 3. He staffed schools 4. He built roads and bridges 5. He extended limited self-rule

1916 ~ Congress passed the Jones Act This act pledged that the Philippines would ultimately gain their independence

By 1899 China had fallen into political, economic and military disarray! In 1899, China was being exploited by European powers.

Britain, France, Germany, and Russia each carved out spheres of influence or zones in which they enjoyed special access to ports and markets Japan also joined in and expanded its’ regional influence – grabbing territories in China and Korea

American trade with China was now threatened because the U. S American trade with China was now threatened because the U.S. did not have a “zone” U.S. Secretary of State John Hay announced that the U.S. expected “equality of treatment for commerce in China.” This Open Door Policy guided future U.S. actions.

In 1900, Chinese secret societies began attacking foreigners and missionaries. These secret societies celebrated traditional Chinese customs and criticized westerns ways, including Christianity

A violent Chinese secret society named The Righteous & Harmonious Fists were nicknamed the “Boxers” because of their martial arts training. The Boxers killed foreign missionaries and besieged the foreign diplomats’ district in Beijing This was known as the Boxer Rebellion

A multinational force from the U. S A multinational force from the U.S., Europe, and Japan, put down this Boxer Rebellion. The Chinese government was forced to pay for damages done during the rebellion. This raised nationalist anger and contributed to a 1911 revolt against the Emperor.

It eventually took 20,000 soldiers, including 2,000 Americans, like these marching through China’s Forbidden City, to put down the Boxer Rebellion.

In 1904, Japan attacked a Russian fleet at Port Arthur in China. Japan also opposed European interference in China, especially by Russia. In 1904, Japan attacked a Russian fleet at Port Arthur in China. Japan began to tale lands in Manchuria, which caused more that 100,000 Russian casualties

The resulting Russo-Japanese War was resolved by Theodore Roosevelt at a conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with representatives from Japan and Russia. In 1905, Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role, demonstrating America’s new stature in the world.

America entered into troubled relations with Japan America entered into troubled relations with Japan. Anti-Asian prejudice, especially on the West Coast, disrupted relations with Japan. The San Francisco School Board banned Asian students from attending classes with white students, Japan was insulted. President Roosevelt disapproved the segregation and understood why Japan was angry.

Roosevelt negotiated a “Gentlemen’s Agreement” in which the school board removed the ban and in exchange, Japan limited emigration to the U.S.

He won congressional support for a new force of Navy ships President Roosevelt used diplomacy to ease tensions with Japan but he also promoted military preparedness to protect U.S. interests in Asia He won congressional support for a new force of Navy ships

President Roosevelt reminded the world of America’s rising military power by sending the Great White Fleet of sixteen battleships on a world cruise in 1907.