1. Imperialism at the Turn of the Century
How does America become a world power?

2. Imperialism: a policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories
Why would US want to expand its territory like Europeans?
1. Military Strength: other nations have strong military so should US (Alfred Mahan)
2.New markets: US needs
raw materials & markets to sell prdcts
3.Cultural Superiority: manifest destiny, Social Darwinism

3. Beyond the shining seas
1867: Secretary of State William Seward wants to buy Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million
­ Some in congress question the decision calling it “Seward’s folly”
­ Congress approves sale, Alaska rich in oil & timber

4. US Annexes Hawai’i
1887: Hawaiian King allows US to build military base at Pearl Harbor, American sugar planters account for 75% of Hawaii’s wealth
1890: US puts tax on imported sugar (protect domestic industries)
American businesses in Hawai’i want the US to annex the country to avoid tax, Pres. Cleveland refuses request
1893: Queen Liliuokalani tries to change Hawai’i’s constitution, give more power to Hawaiians less to foreigners
American businessman overthrow Queen in a coup
1894: Sanford Dole is named President of the Republic of Hawai’i
1998: Dole asks US to annex Hawai’i, Pres. McKinley agrees

5. Cuba wants independence
US offered to buy Cuba from Spain in 1854, Spain refuses
1868: Cuba declares independence from Spain
Cubans lose 10 yr Rev War, US economic influence increases
1895: Jose Marti starts 2nd war of indp.
Marti uses guerilla warfare, destroys sugar plantations, hopes US will intervene
Spain responds to rebels by sending Gen. Weyler
Yellow Journalists like Hearst & Pulitzer spread stories about “Weyler the Butcher”
American sympathy grows for the “Cuba Libre movement”
In secret letter, Spain’s minister Dupuy de Lome calls McKinley weak

6. Marti killed in fighting, Americans upset at Spanish insult – McKinley sends USS Maine to bring home Americans in Cuba
Feb 15, 1898 USS Maine blows up in Havana Harbor
Yellow Journalists say Spain sinks ship, in reality a boiler exploded near weapons - Hearst offers $50K reward - “Remember the Maine”
McKinley asks Congress to declare war
US opens the war by attacking Spanish colony of the Philippines, not Cuba
McKinley tells Filipinos that US is there to free them
Rough Riders led by Asst Navy Secy Teddy Roosevelt invade Cuba
Spain loses the war, gives Cuba independence, gives US Puerto Rico & Guam, sells Philippines to US for $10 million

7. Aftermath of the War – Puerto Rico
During war US promises to bring Puerto Ricans protection
Since PR is strategically important US makes it a territory
1917: Puerto Ricans given US citizenship & have right to elect Governor & members of PR legislature, no national vote
Cuba
● Spain gives independence, US troops remained in Cuba
Platt Amendment – 1) No treaties with foreign govs 2) US gets land on the island for Navy 3) US can intervene if problem
● US will support Cuban leaders who protect American interests
The Philippines
Despite promising independence, Philippines annexed by US
● 1899: Emilio Aguinaldo leads rebellion against US
● US begins forcing Filipinos into segregated zones
● US crushes rebellion, Philippines get indepence in 1947

8. 51st State?
P. 353 Now & Then
How many times have Puerto Ricans voted on their future and what has been the result?
What benefits/disadvantages come with being a commonwealth?
If you were a lived on Puerto Rico would you want statehood or to remain a territory?
Pros
Cons
Vote in federal elections
Must pay Federal Income Tax
Get reps in Congress
May lose “Spanish” culture
More job opportunities
Lose Olympic team