1. American Imperialism:
EQ: Why did the United States create an empire in the late 1800’s?

2. What is Imperialism?
Definition: The policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over a weaker country
Historically, many of the greatest civilizations in history were empire builders

3. American Attitudes Toward Imperialism
Before the 1890’s, most presidents had tried to stay out of foreign issues
We would trade with countries, but we were not bothered with their policies
This changed in the late 1880’s when we became an industrial power.
This, coupled with a massive influx of immigrants, made it possible to flex our muscles outside of our own country.

4. Hawaii and Imperialism
By the mid 1800’s many sugar and pineapple plantations owned by Americans were in Hawaii
In 1897, the planters who owned these plantations convinced the government to overthrow the Hawaiian government in order to avoid paying taxes on sugar
The USA Annexed Hawaii as a protectorate

5. The Spanish-American War
In 1896, the people of Cuba revolted against Spain
A letter from the Spanish Government that was published accused President McKinley of being weak
This enraged Americans
We sent the ship USS Maine to take Americans out of Cuba

6. The Spanish-American War
On February 15th while in the harbor, the Maine exploded killing 260 men
Before anyone was sure, Yellow journalist newspapers blamed the Spanish
The United States declared war
Within 6 months, we defeated Spain
The Treaty of Paris gave us Cuba, Guam, and the Philippines

7. Conquest of Cuba and the Philippines
Both territories were angered that they were not given independence after the war
In 1899, the Philippines revolted.
It took 2 years and more than 25,000 people died
Cuba was forced to give many controls of their government to the USA
Guantanamo Bay military base was built with a permanent American presence

8. The Panama Canal
In 1903, we supported a revolution in Panama against Colombia
In return, the new government of Panama allowed the US to build the Panama Canal
This canal linked Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and allowed us to ship goods faster and cheaper and move our Navy around much faster.