1. USA as an Empire No experience in colonialism
Many felt an empire betrayed what our founding fathers wanted
Cuba & Philippines had wanted independence, not a new master

2. Platt Amendment Gave Cuba independence in 1899
Limited Cuba’s right to make treaties and borrow money
Allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuba
Gave the U.S. control of the naval base in Guantanamo Bay
Independence?

3. Guantanamo Bay
Today Guantanamo is still a U.S. Naval Base owned by USA
Cuba gained full independence 31 years later (1930)
Guantanamo is also where suspected terrorists are being held

4. Puerto Rico Made a US Protectorate 1917 became American citizens
Serve in US military
Pay US taxes
Can collect Social Security
Not allowed to vote

5. Philippines Continued to fight against Americans for independence
220,000 Filipinos died, including 20,000 Filipino soldiers.
Independence in

6. Panama Canal
Roosevelt becomes President after McKinley is assassinated
USA needs to quickly move from Atlantic to Pacific Ocean
Decides to build canal through Panama

7. Panama Canal France began construction on the canal in 1881.
Led by engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps
About $287,000,000 had been spent
20,000 French men had died
Mostly of yellow fever and malaria,
French gave up

8. Panama Canal
Colombia refused to grant the U.S. permission to complete the canal project.
Therefore, the U.S. encouraged the Panamanian people to revolt against Colombia.
On November 3, 1903, Panama declared their independence from Colombia and allowed the U.S. to build the canal.

9. Panama Canal
Animation: How the Panama Canal Works