1. United States Imperialism after 1890
EMPIRE

2. Basically imperialism is colonization round 2
Policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, & military strength over weaker territories

3. Why Imperialism in the USA?
Desire for military strength
U.S. navy modernized
3rd largest naval power in the World
Thirst for New Markets
Need for raw materials & new markets due to increased industrialization
European countries were colonizing Africa and Asia
In order to become a world power, the U.S. had to do the same

4. Alaska First opportunity for expansion
Purchased from Russia for $7.2 million in 1867
About $0.02 an acre
Lots of timber, minerals, & oil
January 1959: became 49th state

5. Annexation of Hawaii
Since 1790s: American merchants used Hawaiian islands as a rest/refuel station on their way to China and East India
1820s: American missionaries in Hawaii
1840s and beyond: Children and grandchildren of missionaries became sugar planters

6. Annexation of Hawaii
1890- U.S. put a tariff on Hawaiian sugar. This required growers to pay a tax to import their sugar to the US, who was their #1 buyer
If Hawaii was annexed, they would not have to pay the duty so they supported annexation.

7. Annexation of Hawaii
U.S. business groups organized a revolution in 1893 against the Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani
Successfully overthrew the government and set up a new government headed by Sanford B. Dole
1898: Congress declares Hawaii an American territory
August became 50th state

8. The Spanish-American War

9. Cuban Independence
In 1895, Cuba attempted to gain its independence from Spain
Spain responded by sending 100,000 soldiers to Cuba, who used extreme force and brutality
Destroyed sugar mills and sugarcane farms
Put thousands of Cubans in camps where they lacked food, water, proper shelter, and medical care

10. Cuban Independence
American newspapers reported on the acts of the Spanish
American sugarcane growers and investors lost money
The U.S. sent the U.S.S. Maine to Cuba to protect American citizens and American investments in Cuba

11. Causes of the Spanish-American War

12. 1. Yellow Journalism Sensational style of writing
Exaggerates the news to lure & enrage readers
American newspapers used Yellow Journalism to convince Americans to support a war against Spain

13. The letter embarrassed the Spanish Government and angered Americans2.
The DeLome Letter
The Spanish Ambassador to the U.S. got caught criticizing the U.S. President, William McKinley, calling him “weak”
The letter embarrassed the Spanish Government and angered Americans

14. The U.S.S. Maine’s Explosion3.
The U.S.S. Maine’s Explosion
February 15, 1898
American newspapers reported that the Spanish purposely attacked the U.S. ship, killing 260 American men on February 15, 1898

15. The Spanish-American War (April 1898- August 1898)
War in the Philippines
Spain controlled the Philippines
U.S. led a surprise attack on Spanish fleet at Manila and destroyed every ship within hours
The U.S. then helped Filipino rebels fight for independence from Spain
August 1898: Spanish in Philippines surrendered to US

16. The Spanish American War
War in the Caribbean
American forces went in to Cuba very unprepared
Theodore Roosevelt led group of volunteer cavalry men, called Rough Riders
Major victory at San Juan Hill, in Cuba – Spanish fleet destroyed soon after
US invaded Puerto Rico

17. Effects of the War Cuba gained independence from Spain
US got Guam and Puerto Rico
US purchased the Philippines from Spain for $20 million
Philippines rebelled against the US in 1899, but lost
Philippines eventually gained full independence on July 4, 1946

19. Panama- Why?
Canal through Central America would greatly reduce travel time for merchant and military vessels
Would create a shortcut between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

20. Panama is an isthmus
(a narrow strip of land with sea on both sides that connects two larger land masses.)

21. Panama Columbia controlled Panama
Had allowed the French to start building, but they ran out of money
Columbia did not want U.S. to build the canal
U.S. helped Panama organize a rebellion, resulting in Panama’s independence

22. 22 days of sailing time saved today
Panama Canal
U.S. agreed to pay the Panama $10 million, plus an annual rent of $250,000
United States began construction in and finished the canal in 1914
22 days of sailing time saved today

23. Roosevelt Corollary Addition to the Monroe Doctrine
President Theodore Roosevelt warned European countries that if they intervened in Latin America, the US might be forced to use its military to protect its economic interests
“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” (from an African proverb)
Meaning if negotiations (speak softly) did not work, the U.S. would use the military (big stick) to enforce order

24. China Potentially a vast market for American products
Presented American investors with new opportunities for large-scale railroad construction

25. China FOMO European countries dominated Chinese trade
US feared being left out of Chinese trade
FOMO

26. Open Door Policy
Prevented a single nation from having a monopoly on trade with China
All nations would have equal trading rights in China