Chapter 23: Becoming a World Power 1-3 Section 1: The United States Continues to Expand Section 2: The Spanish-American War B

In the 1900’s, a lot of countries (especially in Europe) believed in imperialism Building empires around the world (also: expansionism) 4 Because: Colonies are ways to make money Countries could expand their militaries Many Americans and Europeans felt whites were superior to other races B

Other countries in the world were also trying to expand their empires. For example, here’s what was happening in Africa at the same time. B

B

One place America was able to expand was:

How did Alaska get to be part of the United States? 5 Russia thought the land was worthless to them. Asked William Seward (Sec. of State) if we wanted to buy it. We did – for $7.2 million (2 cents an acre) Called “Seward’s Folly” and “Seward’s Icebox” But today we’re really glad we have it B

B

And… The Annexation of Hawaii came next (these were only territories – not states) B

How did Hawaii get to be part of the United States? Some Americans settled there and slowly “took over.” People grew sugar cane and pineapple (like Sanford Dole). U.S. government made many deals (tax deals). The U.S. ended up getting financial control of Hawaii – from Queen Liliuokalani And… military control after a mini revolt. Ended up being important for its sea lanes (the route followed by trading ships). Also became important refueling and water stations. B

B

1895: the only places Spain had left in the America’s were: Cuba (rich in tobacco and sugar) Puerto Rico (produced many food products) B

1895: some Cubans began to fight for their freedom

The Spanish put any rebels they caught in: concentration camps (even innocent women and children)

American Newspapers printed stories about how badly these people were being treated These stories would get more people to buy newspapers This is called “yellow journalism” - using sensational headlines, rather than real news to sell newspapers B

The U.S. sent a battleship to protect any Americans who were there (The Maine) But…. one night the ship blew up Newspapers said the Spanish probably did it and America should go to war!!!!! And we did…. with the battle cry: “Remember the Maine” B

6 B

The Spanish-American War was very popular in America Spain still had wooden ships The U.S. had brand new steel ships In one battle, 10 Spanish ships were sunk – and not a single American died B

One famous group of soldiers who fought in this war (in Cuba): “The Rough Riders” (Their leader was Teddy Roosevelt) B

The war ended quickly and Spain went back home Cuba and Puerto Rico were free from Spanish rule B

But being free from Spanish rule didn’t mean they were free from American rule The Philippines ended up under American control. Cuba was under some American control. Puerto Rico became an American territory. Americans were seen as people who’d intervene (interventionists) in Latin American affairs 7 B

Even today: B Puerto Rico is an “American Commonwealth” Official Name Puerto Rico, Commonwealth territory of the USA, claimed 1898 Puerto Ricans share all the rights and obligations of U.S. citizenship, including service in the armed forces; however, they do not pay federal taxes and cannot vote in national elections. The U.S. government handles Puerto Rico's foreign affairs, and U.S. military installations are maintained on the island. There are now close to four million Puerto Ricans living stateside, with reports that this number exceeds the number of Puerto Ricans living in Puerto Rico B

8-10 on your own B