“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” - T. Roosevelt US Imperialism 1890-1919 “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” - T. Roosevelt

From jellyfish to eagle? Speaking in 1891 Rudyard Kipling said of the USA: ‘The big fat Republic that is afraid of nothing because nothing up to the present day has happened to make her afraid, is as unprotected as a jellyfish’.

Why did the USA change its foreign policy, 1890-1919? Key Question: Why did the USA change its foreign policy, 1890-1919?

Imperialism US. Imperialism – response to EUROPEAN Imperialism Principal Cause: INDUSTRIALISATION Industrialized nations wanted colonies to provide: cheap supply of RAW MATERIALS A MARKET for the mother country’s goods large profits with minimum risk on investment of SURPLUS CAPITAL

Imperialism (other reasons) Used NATIONALIST arguments to gain support for EMPIRE BUILDING. gain glory & achieve a “PLACE IN THE SUN” secure essential MILITARY BASES & war materials provide an outlet for surplus population provide safety - missionaries spread CHRISTIANITY bring to the ‘BACKWARD’ areas the “blessings of the CIVILIZED culture” of the West [Europe & USA]

This “Duty” of the West Labeled by RUDYARD KIPLING as The “White Man’s Burden”

REASONS for U.S. turn to IMPERIALISM (turn to pp. 54/55) 1) Industrial Revolution 2) Closing of the FRONTIER – leads investors to look ABROAD for economic opportunity

Key long-term cause: The Monroe Doctrine, 1823 Announced by President Monroe and John Quincy Adams (Secretary of State). Main points: US policy to avoid involvement in European wars UNLESS American interests were involved The ‘American continents’ were not to be colonised by any European power Any attempts of European colonisation would be regarded as ‘unfriendly acts’.

Was the Spanish-American War of 1898 a turning point in American foreign policy? Causes of the War: 1. Tyrannical Spanish rule over Cuba: Spain denied civil liberties & political rights Levied heavy taxes – restricted foreign trade Ruthlessly suppressed rebellions Spain finally abolished Slavery in 1886 Economic depression brings another revolt for INDEPENDENCE in Cuba.

Causes of Spanish-American War (cont.) 2. American Humanitarianism & sympathy Sympathized with desire for independence Outraged when over 200,000 Cubans died in concentration camps of hunger and disease

Causes of Spanish-American War (cont.) 3. Economic Interests American merchants traded with Cuba to the amount of $100 million a year American investors placed $50 million in sugar and tobacco plantations.

Causes of Spanish-American War (cont.) 4. “Yellow Journalism” William Randolph Hearst – NY Journal Joseph Pulitzer – New York World Both Newspapers sought to increase circulation by sensationalized news stories. Eg Hearst’s Journal printed the Delome Letter Spanish ambassador calls McKinley “weak”

Causes of Spanish-American War (cont.) 5. Sinking of the USS Maine American battleship visiting Cuba blown up: 260 Americans killed Cause: probably fire in a coal bin. But, American public persuaded by the Yellow Press – blames SPAIN

Outbreak of the War McKinley demands Spain ends camps and negotiate with Cuban rebels April 11, 1898: McKinley asks Congress to use American armed forces in Cuba Congress approves on 4-20, and recognizes Cuba’s INDEPENDENCE from Spain Congress adopts Teller Amendment which stated that the United States would not COLONIZE Cuba

The Teller Amendment (1898) Made PRIOR to Sp-Am War U.S. could NOT ANNEX Cuba US must “leave control of island to its People” Superceded by PLATT AMENDMENT (1903)

Conduct of the War Battle Cry = “Remember the Maine, to HELL with Spain!”

Defeat of Spain April 1898, simultaneous attacks on Spanish territories of Philippines and Cuba Attack on Philippines lead by Admiral George Dewey was a success Army in Cuba successful but badly organised.

Treaty of Paris December 1898 CUBA independent, US influence over constitution and possession of Guantanomo Bay Puerto Rico and Pacific island of Guam ‘given’ to the USA USA able to purchase the Philippines for $20 million