THE US BECOMES AN EMPIRE 21

Catching the Spirit of Empire l Domestic concerns dominated the post- Civil War years l 1870s bring new interest in areas beyond U.S. boundaries l Internationalism began to replace nationalism

Reasons for Expansion l Expansion abroad sought to gain markets l Evolutionary ideas encourage expansion to give guidance to native peoples elsewhere

Foreign Policy Approaches: l Expansionist foreign policy l Acquisitions: Alaska, Midway Islands l Erode European influence in Latin America – diverts Latin American trade from Europe through a series of treaties

The New Navy l Overseas markets are essential for industrial surpluses l Large merchant marine, strong navy needed l A program of naval construction is initiated l U.S. gains offensive capability at sea

On the road to war with the super power of the time- Spain. It resulted in … l The war increased overseas possessions l U.S. recognition as a “world power” l Americans became convinced they had a special destiny (again?)

A War for Principle l February, rebellion in Cuba l "Yellow Journalism" whips up U.S. sentiment to favor Cuban independence l February, explosion of the “Maine” l April 19--Congress declares Cuba independent l April 25--U.S. declares war on Spain

The Spanish-American War

"A Splendid Little War" l U.S. regular army small, ill-prepared l Problems of equipment and supply – regulars possess latest Krag-Jorgensen rifles – Guard units possess old Springfield rifles

The Course of the War l May 1--Commodore George Dewey captures Manila Bay l June--Cuba invaded l July--Santiago surrenders, Puerto Rico occupied l August 13--Philippines surrender

Spanish-American War: Pacific Theater

Spanish-American War: Caribbean Theater

Acquisition of Empire l December Treaty of Paris – Cuba independent – U.S. takes Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines

The Treaty of Paris Debate l Debate over annexation of the Philippines l Opponents formed the Anti-Imperialist League (see next slides) l February, ratification of peace treaty makes U.S. a colonizing nation

Anti-Imperialist League On June 15, 1898, the Anti-imperialist league formed to fight U.S. annexation of the Philippines, citing a variety of reasons ranging from the economic to the legal to the racial to the moral. It included among its members such notables as Andrew Carnegie and Mark Twain. Following the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the league began to decline and eventually disappeared.

American Empire, 1900

World Colonial Empires, 1900

Governing the Empire l Supreme Court permits selective application of Constitution to new territories l Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico organized as territories, inhabitants made U.S. citizens l Navy controls Guam l Cuban constitution ends U.S. occupation l Platt Amendment--U.S. given right to intervene in Cuban affairs and Guantanamo to use as a naval base.

Outcome of the War with Spain l Teddy Roosevelt a war hero l Set back the cause of civil rights for African Americans l Confirms Republicans as majority party l U.S. soldiers stationed outside the country

Today …