1. America Claims an Empire
Unit 2:
Sec.3
Acquiring New Lands &
America as a World Power

2. Puerto Rico and Panama Canal
Puerto Rico’s importance to the US
Maintain a presence in the Caribbean
Protect the future Panama Canal.
Panama Canal – 1914
Reduced travel time for military and commercial ships
5,600 workers died (disease & accidents)
$380 million
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3. Diplomacy Roosevelt Corollary – “Big Stick” Policy
Exercise police power to protect economic interests.

4. Diplomacy, cont. Taft – “Dollar Diplomacy”
Used US govt. to guarantee foreign loans in exchange for control over customs, railroads, & banks.
Wilson – Moral “Missionary Diplomacy”
Do not recognize any L.A. govt. viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile.
Pressured nations to establish democratic Govt’s.

5. US Involvement in Cuba Cuba - a protectorate
US could buy or lease land for naval and coaling stations
US forced Cuba to add the Platt Amendment to its new constitution
Could not make treaties
US reserved right to intervene
Could not go into debt

6. Open Door Policy US imperialists: Philippines is gateway to Asia.
Open access to China’s coastal ports
Elimination of special privileges for any trading nation
Maintenance of China’s independence
US Secretary of State John Hay - policy to protect American interests in China.

7. Attitudes Towards American Imperialism
Justifying Imperialism
Forced Americans to expand knowledge of other lands and people.
Opposing Imperialism
Expense of maintaining an empire would outweigh any economic benefits.

8. Ringer #4 How does this explain the Open Door?