Imperialism and America Unit 1, Lecture 2

American Expansionism Many American leaders believe U.S. should join global race for colonies – Imperialism: policy in which stronger nations take over weaker nations for economic, political, or military control Reasons for Imperialism: – 1. Global Competition – 2. Desire for Military Strength – 3. Thirst for New Markets – 4. Belief in Cultural Superiority

Grabbing Land Alaska – 1867 – Seward’s Folly – Ends up being a win (oil, timber, gold) Hawaii – 1897 – Economic gain (trade in sugar, pineapples) – U.S. citizens take island from native royal family

The Spanish-American War Cuba was a Spanish colony, wanted independence – Revolution erupts, Spain sends in troops. – Newspaper coverage of the conflict is vital – Yellow Journalism: Exaggerates news to lure and enrage readers Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine – “Remember the Maine!” becomes a rallying cry

Spanish-American War, cont. War spreads to another Spanish colony: the Philippines The Rough Riders are sent to Cuba, fight in the Battle of San Juan Hill American blockade of the island is successful

Treaty of Paris Ends Spanish-American War Terms: – Spain frees Cuba – Guam and Puerto Rico belong to America – Philippines are sold to the U.S. for $20 million President McKinley justifies taking the territory by saying that America needs to educate/Christianize the territory

Reasons Global Competition - Everyone else is doing it… Desire for Military Strength - All the really strong countries have a strong navy - Alfred T. Mahan, Commander of Navy, wants more ships

Reasons, cont. Thirst for New Markets – So much new stuff…now where to sell it? Belief in cultural superiority – White, American culture is so awesome! Everyone should have it (even if they don’t want it). – White Man’s Burden: Duty to spread white, American, Christian culture / “civilize” people