America and the World

What qualifications are needed for a country to be considered a world power?

What is imperialism? Imperialism is the policy of powerful countries seeking to control the economic and political affairs of weaker countries or regions. Is this right? What do you think?

1. Commercial/Business Interests U. S. Foreign Investments:

1. Commercial/Business Interests

2. Military/Strategic Interests

3. Social Darwinist Thinking

4. Religious/Missionary Interests

5. Closing the American Frontier

Expansion in the Pacific

Isolationism vs. Expansionism Isolationism: one nation having little to do with the political affairs of other nations. Expansionism: extending one country’s national boundaries. Which one do you agree with?

Seward Looks to the Pacific In 1867, Secretary of State William Seward convinced Congress to annex, or take over, Midway Island, in the middle of the Pacific. Seward is best known for his purchase of Alaska from Russia.

Seward’s Folly Seward agreed to buy Alaska for $7.2 million. Many people mocked Seward for purchasing Alaska calling it “Seward’s Ice Box” and “Seward’s Folly” Eventually, Seward had the last laugh when Alaska proved rich in gold, timber, copper, petroleum, and natural gas.

Why Imperialism? Why Not?? European countries were racing for colonies in the late 1800’s. America was becoming a world leader in both agriculture and industry. – America needed to keep up.

A New Navy Alfred Mahan, a naval captain, argued that the prosperity of America depended on foreign trade. – As a result, the U.S. Navy had to have naval bases around the world to protect its interests.

Hawaii U.S. planters gained political influence in Hawaii. In 1893, U.S. marines landed in Hawaii and helped topple the monarchy The U.S. annexed Hawaii in (It became a territory but it did not become a state until 1959.)

Protecting Trade With China China used to be the most powerful empire in the world. Industrialized nations preyed on its vast resources. The U.S., being a late-comer to the imperialism game, convinced nations who held “spheres of influence” in China to accept the Open Door Policy.

Cont. A sphere of influence was an area, usually around a seaport, where a nation had special privileges. The Open Door Policy allowed all nations to trade in the spheres of others.

Boxer Rebellion The Chinese did not like the idea of foreigners in their country taking their resources. In 1900, a group called the Righteous Fists of Harmony, or Boxers attacked westerners. An international army, including 2,500 Americans, put down the rebellion. Several nations saw the Boxer Rebellion as an excuse to seize more land in China.

War With Spain

Tensions in Cuba Cuba was part of the Spanish empire. In 1895, rebels began a revolt against Spain in the hope of gaining independence. Spain responded with the policy of reconcentration, which moved 500,000 Cubans into detention camps. – 100,000 died from starvation

“Reconcentration” policy

Americans Call For War Newspapers practiced yellow journalism, or reporting that relied on sensational stories and headlines. These stories of Spanish atrocities against the Cubans created American sympathy (and sold newspapers)

“Remember the Maine!” In 1898, President McKinley sent the battleship Maine to Havana, the capital of Cuba, to protect Americans after fighting broke out there. On the night of February 15, 1898, a huge explosion destroyed the Maine killing at least 260 of the 350 men on board. Cries for war were increased by yellow journalism. Congress declared war on Spain on April 25, 1898

The Spanish – American War American forces were victorious in the Philippines due to a surprise naval attack. Victory was gained in Cuba with the help of: 1.Rough Riders – were a volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt 2.Buffalo Soldiers – African American soldiers The war lasted only 4 months

Results of the War American combat losses – 379 Deaths from disease – over 5,000 Cuba was granted its freedom from Spain U.S. gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. IS THIS EXPANSIONISM OR ISOLATIONISM?

The war is over…now what? Cuba wrote its own constitution but was forced to accept the Platt Amendment. – This allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuba and gave them control of the naval base at Guantanamo Bay. – This amendment essentially made Cuba an American protectorate, a nation whose independence is limited by the control of a more powerful country.

Revolt in the Philippines The people of the Philippines fought the U.S. following the Spanish-American War for their independence. The U.S. put down the revolt but not before over 4,000 Americans lost their lives fighting.

Assignment In pairs, come up with a list of yellow journalistic stories from recent years that you can remember. Remember what yellow journalism is and do your best to come up with good examples and be ready to explain.

Expansion in Latin America

A Canal Across Panama What is a canal???? I am determined to build a canal across the Isthmus of… PANAMA!!! It would shorten the trip from NYC to San Francisco by 8,000 miles!!! The U.S. would have to deal with Colombia who owned the land at the time. It would shorten the trip from NYC to San Francisco by 8,000 miles!!! The U.S. would have to deal with Colombia who owned the land at the time.

Taking the Canal Zone Colombia refused Roosevelt’s offers. As a result, TR backed Panamanians who wanted to break away from Colombia. The Colombians were unable to put down the rebellion as a result of American interference. Panama declared itself an independent republic. The U.S. recognized the new nation immediately and made a deal with them to build a canal.

Was this dishonest or wrong for the U.S. to do?

“Mosquito Paradise” The major problem people faced when building the canal were the disease carrying mosquitoes. They mainly carried yellow fever.

The “Big Stick” in Latin America Americans wanted Europeans to stay out of Latin America Roosevelt issued corollary, or addition, to the Monroe Doctrine. Known as the Roosevelt Corollary, it gave the U.S. power to intervene in Latin America to preserve law and order.

Other Diplomacy Methods Dollar Diplomacy Build strong economic ties with Latin America Moral Diplomacy Condemn imperialism, spread democracy, and promote peace