Toward an American Empire
U.S. expansion shifts after 1890 & the defeat of the Plains Indians Strategically placed islands taken, initially intended as colonies
Domestic concerns dominated the post-Civil War years But the1870s brought new interest in areas beyond U.S. boundaries
Expansion abroad sought to gain markets Evolutionary ideas encouraged expansion to give “guidance” to native peoples elsewhere Missionary spirit (see Josiah Strong's popular Our Country, published in 1885)
Expansionist foreign policy Acquisitions: Alaska, Midway Islands Efforts to erode European influence in Latin America ◦ Diversion of Latin American trade from Europe through a series of reciprocity treaties ◦ U.S. support of Venezuela against Great Britain
U.S. allows free importation of Hawaiian sugar Queen Liliuokalani retaliates for McKinley Tariff, attempts to reduce U.S. influence American settlers pull off coup Hawaii made U.S. possession U.S. granted port facilities in Samoa U.S. shares control with Germany
Alfred Mahan argues that overseas markets are essential for industrial surpluses Large merchant marine, strong navy needed Secretary of Navy Benjamin Tracy supervises a program of naval construction CARNEGIE’S INVOLVEMENT U.S. gains offensive capability at sea
The war increased overseas possessions It also gained the U.S. recognition as a “world power” Many more Americans became convinced they had a special destiny
February, rebellion in Cuba "Yellow press" whips up U.S. sentiment to favor Cuban independence McKinley gains Spanish concessions February, explosion of the Maine April 19--Congress declares Cuba independent April 25--U.S. declares war on Spain
U.S. regular army small, ill-prepared Problems of equipment and supply Most soldiers fight in National Guard units
African Americans serve in army Guard units Black troops resist segregation African American soldiers win 26 Certificates of Merit, 5 Congressional Medals of Honor Overt racism in Philippines
May 1--Commodore George Dewey captures Manila Bay June--Cuba invaded July--Puerto Rico occupied August 13--Philippines surrender
Fate of the Philippines was the thorniest issue at the peace negotiations December Treaty of Paris ◦ Cuba independent ◦ U.S. takes Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines
Debate over annexation of the Philippines Opponents formed the Anti-Imperialist League February, ratification of peace treaty makes U.S. a colonizing nation
Emilio Aguinaldo leads Philippine independence movement “Water Treatment” U.S. replaces military with civil rule ◦ local self-government permitted ◦ schedule established for independence July 4, Philippine independence
Supreme Court permits selective application of Constitution to new territories Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico organized as territories, inhabitants made U.S. citizens Navy controls Guam Cuban constitution ends U.S. occupation, but: Platt Amendment gives U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs
March, "Open Door" policy in China ◦ no European nation should carve out a sphere of influence in China and exclude others from trading in the area Policy opens the potential for later conflict with expansion-minded powers in Pacific
Teddy Roosevelt a war hero Re-establishes Republicans as majority party U.S. soldiers stationed outside the country