The Spanish American War
Expansion in the 1800’s Manifest Destiny – Purchase of Florida, Alaska – Oregon territory – Fought for Texas – Gained land through Mexican Session: Southwestern territories and California – Louisiana Purchase
Civil War Limited expansion Limited industrial growth
Turn to expansionism Better communication, transportation Surplus of goods, need for new markets New foreign policy, abandon isolationism
Expansionism to Imperialism Desire for new markets to sell more goods Notion of an American Empire is appealing Suggestions of Alfred T. Mahan: modernize navy to protect trade on 2 ocean fronts Patriotism Christian duty
Debate! Imperialists: Favored expansion and colonization Anti Imperialists: did not favor expansion and colonization, feared it could undermine the strength of the US
Revolution in Cuba Cubans struggle for independence from Spain
US interest in Cuba Identified with struggle for independence Natural expansion of US Spain viewed as oppressive Protect US sugar plantations in Cuba
Revolution Begins Jose Marti launches revolution from US Destroy Spanish Assets in Cuba Spanish place Cuban rebels in camps – Some Americans mistaken for rebels – Starvation, disease – Death
Americans Keep Watch US investments in sugar Horrific conditions reported in camps Sensationalism in news reports creates anger towards Spain President McKinley wants to avoid war and calls for reforms by Spain in Cuba
The Maine Explosion – Riots in Havana (Cuban Capitol) – USS Maine sent to show US concern (intimidation) – Feb the Maine mysteriously explodes killing 260 Americans
Remember the Maine, War with Spain! Yellow Journalism pushes for military action – Sensational headlines – Stir up emotions – Ploy to “sell” news
McKinley calls for war Ultimatum to Spain: agree to armistice and end prison camps Spain does not respond to ultimatum Congress declares war with Spain in Cuba in 1898
War in Philippines (Spanish Territory) US Commodore George Dewey invades Philippines to keep Spanish Fleet there from leaving for Caribbean Defeats Spanish in Manilla Bay Rebels help US liberate Philippines from Spain No independence for Filipinos
War in Cuba Fighting begins June 20, ,000 troops to Santiago, Cuba African Americans fight too, but are not rewarded Rough Riders – Volunteers, adventurous – Led by Theodore Roosevelt from Tampa to Cuba – Vital to winning war in Cuba
US defeats Spain Battle of San Juan Hill, US overtakes Spanish US destroys Spanish Fleet Conquered Spanish in Puerto Rico Took toll on Soldiers – 385 killed in action – 5,000 killed by disease (yellow fever and Malaria), or food poisoning
US emerges as an Imperialist Power Splendid Little War Cease fire on Aug. 12, 1898 Treaty of Paris 1898 granted independence to Cuba, ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and Philippines to the United States
Cuba is protectorate of US Platt Amendment – Limited Cuba’s foreign interaction – US has rights to build Naval stations – US can send troops to keep order
Philippines become US colony Unfit for self government US to educate, civilize and Christianize Filipinos Proves difficult as there are language and cultural barriers
US becomes a world power in 1900 Influences policies in other countries Progressive policies under T. Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson Increased involvement in Asia and Latin America
Roosevelt’s policies Speak softly but carry a big stick Advocated peaceful solutions US should have a strong international presence US responsible to protect weaker countries Open Door Policy with China – Equal trade for all countries – Preserve China’s independence – Boxer Rebellion: battle against all foreigners in China
President Taft Dollar Diplomacy US should invest money in foreign countries to keep other nations from taking them over
President Wilson Moral diplomacy US responsible for democracy around the globe