1. American Imperialism
Period 7: – 1945

2. Motives for imperialism
Economic
Open up new markets
Access to cheap raw materials
Political
Desire to compete w/ other nations
Strategic/Military
Acquire naval bases around the world
Ideological
White Man’s Burden – duty to spread “superior” civilization

3. Spanish American war – 1898 Feb. 1898 – USS Maine explodes
Cuba – Spanish colony
Revolts are becoming more common
Concentration camps
U.S. investments in sugar plantations
Feb – USS Maine explodes
Yellow journalist blame Spain
Apr – U.S. declares war on Spain
U.S., Cuba, & Philippines v. Spain
Teller Amendment : U.S. has no intention of taking over Cuba

4. Begins in the Philippines
Spanish American war – 1898
“Splendid little war”
Lasts 4 mo. & 400 Americans die from fighting
Begins in the Philippines
Spanish fleet defeated in Manila Bay

5. Spanish American war – 1898 Treaty of Paris Impact of war
U.S. acquires Guam, Cuba, Puerto Rico & Philippines
Spain is paid $20 million
Impact of war
Question about what to do w/ new territories
Anti-Imperialist League – oppose annexation of Philippines

7. Panama Canal TR will pursue expansionist policy
“Speak softly & carry a big stick”
Attempted to get Colombia to allow the construction of a canal – rejected
TR secretly supports Panamanian independence
Completed in 1914

8. Roosevelt Corollary Monroe Doctrine (1823)
English warships are sent to LA to collect debt
Roosevelt Corollary – U.S. has the right to intervene in LA
Strained relationship w/ Latin America