The Rise of American Imperialism 1890-1908

“The White Man’s Burden (Apologies to Rudyard Kipling)” Judge, April 1, 1899 Artist: Victor Gillam Source: CGACGA - The Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum [cb25-141_1899_Judge_d_10386_osu] The U.S. follows Britain’s imperial lead carrying people from “Barbarism” at the base of the hill to “Civilization” at its summit. In this blatantly racist rendering, America’s newly subjugated people appear far more primitive and barbaric than the older empire’s load.

“The White Man’s Burden” Read Rudyard Kipling’s “The White Man’s Burden” and make comparisons to “The Black Man’s Burden” and “The Poor Man’s Burden”

International Perspectives Complete research on the political events in each place Find additional relevant information Write a hypothesis based on your research regarding imperialistic actions of other powers

Countries Annam (Vietnam) 1874: taken over by France in 1874 Tunisia 1881: protectorate of France in 1881 Egypt 1883: virtually an English colony (Suez Canal) Marshall Islands 1884: taken over by Germany in 1884 Burma 1885: taken by England in 1885 (sea routes) Samoa 1889: shared by England, Germany, U.S. Rhodesia 1895: carved out of Africa in 1895 by England Mariana Islands 1899: except for Guam, purchased from Spain by Germany Other areas of interest: Africa, Asia, South Pacific Concept of “White Man’s Burden”

Hypothesis During the closing decades of the 19th century, the major European powers strove to extend their empires in Africa, Asia, S. Pacific. By creating colonies/claiming territories, the imperialists searched for markets, resources, and extended power. A fundamental belief in European society is the superiority of the white man, evident in the treatment of developing lands and peoples by nations such as England, France, and Germany.

Anti-Imperial Sentiment From the Civil War until the 1890s, most Americans had little interest in territorial expansion: Imperial rule seemed inconsistent with America's republican principles. The US became intolerant of people with different cultures, languages, and religions.

Acquisition of Alaska The exception to the rule was Alaska. In 1867, Sec. of State William Steward arranged to buy Alaska from the Russians for $7.2 million. Rich in natural resources (timber, minerals, and oil), Alaska was a bargain at two cents per acre. Seward’s Folly

American Attitudes Shift By the mid-1890s, a shift had taken place in American attitudes toward expansion. Why? Between 1870 and 1900, the European powers seized 10 million square miles of territory in Africa and Asia. About 150 million people were subjected to colonial rule.

A New Assertiveness During the late 1880s, American foreign policy makers began to display a new assertiveness. The United States came close to declaring war on Germany, Chile, and Great Britain.

U. S. Economic Dominance In the United States, a growing number of policy makers, bankers, manufacturers, and trade unions grew fearful that the country might be closed out in the struggle for global markets and raw materials.

International Trade By the 1890s, the American economy was increasingly dependent on foreign trade. A quarter of the nation's farm products and half its petroleum were sold overseas.

A Desire for Sea Power Alfred Thayer Mahan, a naval strategist and the author of The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, argued that national prosperity and power depended on control of the world's sea-lanes. "Whoever rules the waves rules the world," Mahan wrote. 3rd largest navy Military Supremacy: Germany Great Britain France Russia Japan Rebuilt navy: a new arms race

Social Darwinism A belief that the world's nations were engaged in a Darwinian struggle for survival and that countries that failed to compete were doomed to decline also contributed to a new assertiveness on the part of the United States.

“…white man’s burden…” “Take up the White Man’s burden— Send forth the best ye breed Go send your sons to exile To serve your captives' need To wait in heavy harness On fluttered folk and wild— Your new-caught, sullen peoples, Half devil and half child Take up the White Man’s burden…” ---Rudyard Kipling (1899)

White Man’s Burden During the late 19th century, the idea that the United States had a special mission to uplift "backward" people around the world also commanded growing support. Extension of the Social Gospel Promoted by Rev. Josiah Strong—send missionaries to other countries: Asia, Latin America, Africa

The Annexation of Hawaii In 1893, a small group of sugar and pineapple-growing businessmen, backed by the U.S. military, deposed Hawaii's queen, seized 1.75 million acres of land, and desired U.S. annexation of the islands, which was achieved in 1898. Reading https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpsmUCtsd2o

Interpretation? (1899)

International Perspectives Cont. Read each document and answer the questions that follow Thesis Representing Imperialist View point What is your perspective regarding imperialism and why? Provide at least 5 examples and explain

Spanish-American War The “splendid little war” Dramatized the country’s new status as a world power in fact as well as in potential Heightened pride and inspired a sense of national destiny National interest v. missionary impulse Decision to declare war, cause of war…

McKinley’s War Message 1. “Put an end to the barbarities, bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries” in Cuba 2. Protect the lives and property of U.S. citizens living in Cuba 3. End “the very serious injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people” 4. End “the constant menace to our peace” arising from disorder in Cuba

Researching the Causes What led to the Spanish American War? How did President McKinley justify intervention? Thesis Statement: What caused the Spanish- American War?

Treaty of Peace Signed in Paris Dec. 10, 1898 1. Recognition of Cuban independence 2. U.S. acquisition of two Spanish islands (Puerto Rico and Guam) 3. U.S. acquisition of the Philippines from Spain for $20 million.

Insular Cases Constitutional rights of the Philippine people? Supreme Court ruled constitutional rights were not automatically extended to territorial possessions. Determination of whether rights were granted would be determined by Congress

Platt Amendment Cuba must: Never sign a treaty with a foreign power that impaired its independence Permit the U.S. to intervene in Cuba’s affairs to preserve its independence Allow the U.S. to maintain naval bases in Cuba, including one permanent base at Guantanamo Bay Cuba then became a protectorate

Consequences Nationalism of U.S. Southerners became more attached to the Union for first time since the Civil War U.S. became a super-power to the rest of the world

Teddy Roosevelt and the Big Stick How did Teddy Roosevelt intervene in Latin American affairs? Political Cartoon Analysis