American Imperialism, 1898-1914

What is Imperialism?

Causes of the Spanish-American War Decreased isolationism in U.S. public and Congress Cuban Revolution (1895-1898): U.S. investments threatened Spanish authorities commit atrocities against Cuban civilians Yellow journalism Highlighted Spanish atrocities and lack of humanitarianism

USS Maine Explosion - February 1898: U.S. public angered - blame placed on Spain “Free Cuba!” “Remember the Maine!” President William McKinley Congress declares war on Spain -- April 1898

Fighting the War Geography Spanish Empire - Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Guam U.S. strategic interests Panama Canal, Hawaii

Commodore George Dewey Commander U. S Commodore George Dewey Commander U.S. Asiatic Squadron Spanish-American War

Battle of Santiago (Cuba) Amphibious landing Rough Riders’ Teddy Roosevelt Leads charge at the Battle of San Juan Hill Spanish governor orders fleet to flee harbor - 1 July 1898

Battle of Santiago 3 July 1898

Battle of Santiago On 3 July 1898, Spanish make their run Inferior Spanish fleet annihilated by superior, better managed U.S. fleet Spanish losses 160 killed, 1800 captured American losses 1 killed, 1 wounded Peace treaty signed 10 Dec 1898 Spanish home fleet recalled while en route to the Philippines fearing North Atlantic Fleet

Results and lessons Spanish home fleet recalled while en route to the Philippines U.S. technological superiority overwhelms Spanish U.S. becomes dominant power in the Caribbean Sea Improvement needed in fire control and amphibious doctrine

U.S. Empire From Spain: Possession of Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines. Naval base in Cuba Formerly independent: Wake, Hawaii, Samoa U.S. in undisputed control of the Caribbean

American Pacific Territories Coaling Stations for Ships

Roosevelt Corollary Constant interventions by Navy and Marines: Haiti, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic Cuba - Platt Amendment Vera Cruz, Mexico “Yankee Imperialism” despised by many Latin Americans

Panama Canal Renewed U.S. desire for canal in Central America Link between Atlantic and Pacific Fleets Need for the canal is highlighted by USS Oregon’s long transit to the Battle of Santiago Strong support from President Theodore Roosevelt Construction of the canal begins in 1904 Completed in 1914 Increased importance of U.S. control of Caribbean Sea Protection of Panama Canal is vital to defense of the U.S.

U.S. “Open Door” policy in China: Policy has two aspects (1) Ensure territorial integrity of China (2) Ensure free trade in China for all countries. China’s Boxer Rebellion - 1900 U.S. Marine Regiment attached to U.S. Army force protecting Westerners Counter European and Japanese attempts at “spheres of influence” Yangtze River Patrol - U.S. gunboats protect American commerce

The Rise of Japanese Sea Power

President Theodore Roosevelt and Rear Admiral Robley D President Theodore Roosevelt and Rear Admiral Robley D. “Fighting Bob” Evans Prior to the sailing of the Great White Fleet - 1907

The Great White Fleet

Route of the Great White Fleet: (1907-08)

HMS Dreadnought First all “big gun” Battleship - Eight 12-inch guns

HMS Dreadnought

Dawn of Aviation Wright Brothers -- Kitty Hawk, North Carolina: 1903 Eugene Ely First flight of an aircraft from a ship in 1910 First landing of an aircraft on a ship in 1911