Unit 3: Imperialism & WWI

A. Rationales for Imperialism: 1. Ideological Arguments –

a. Social Darwinism: survival of the fittest

was the law of nations as well as a law of

nature.b. “White Man’s Burden” – responsibility

toextend the blessings of western rule

to less able peoplec. Missionaries – attempt to evangelize

the world

I. Roots of Imperialism

2. Strategic Concerns: a. Mahanism: stressed U.S. Naval,

economic,and territorial expansion

1) Alfred Mahan – The Influence of Sea Power

2) Large navy policy = demanded strategic

naval bases & cooling stations

3. Economic expansion through foreign trade

a. Create larger markets for America

A. Rationales for Imperialism continued…

A. Late 1800’s: U.S. takes a more aggressive role

in world affairs1. commercial opportunities (new markets

for growing industrial production)2. strategic necessities (desire for greater

military strength)3. national destiny (belief in cultural

superiority) * Monroe Doctrine: U.S. to control of the western hemisphere

II. First Steps Toward Imperialism

1. 1887 – U.S. control of Pearl Harbor 2. 1893 – U.S. Marines used to overthrow

Hawaiian government and establish a protectorate

3. 1898 – U.S. annexed Hawaii as a result of the Spanish-American War a. strategic stepping stone to

the Philippines

B. Hawaii

A. Cuban Revolution, 1895 1. Cubans revolted against oppressive Spanish rule – “reconcentration camps” 2. American economic interest threatened

III. Spanish American War of 1898

B. Yellow Press – sensationalized news that used exaggerated headlines & stories to stimulate interest a. Increased American interest in Cuba

Spanish American War of 1898 continued..

C. U.S. battleship Maine 1. blew up in the harbor of Havana, Cuba 2. U.S. declared war against Spain 3. Teller Amendment – U.S. had no intention of annexing Cuba

Spanish American War of 1898 continued..

D. War in the Philippines 1. U.S. Asiatic fleet led by Commodore Dewey a. destroyed the Spanish fleet

at Manila Bay

2. U.S. wanted the Philippines for its strategic location in Asia a. economic opportunities

in China

Spanish American War of 1898 continued..

E. War in Cuba 1. U.S. poor handling of the war a. 5,000 American soldiers died from spoiled food and disease b. Teddy Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders” c. U.S. took Puerto Rico with little opposition

Spanish American War of 1898 continued..

F. Treaty of Paris 1. Ended Spanish-American War a. Spain forced to accept Cuban independence, cede Puerto Rico, Guam, and Philippines to U.S.

2. Debate over ratification: a. Expansionist favored acquisition of Philippines for economic reasons b. Anti-Imperialist opposed based on moral and political traditions 3. Treaty was ratified 1899

Spanish American War of 1898 continued..

A. Filipino-American War, 1899 1. Emilio Aguinaldo – issued declaration of independence 2. Treaty of Paris – est. U.S. control 3. Brutal war between U.S. & Filipino nationalist until 1902

IV. American Imperialism in Asia

B. China & the Open Door Policy 1. foreign “spheres of influence” in China 2. U.S. “Open Door Policy” – wanted European imperial powers to allow commercial and financial activities all nations within their spheres of influence a. Russia & Japan opposed the policy

American Imperialism in Asia continued..

C. Russo-Japanese War, 1904 1. Japanese victory marked its emergence as an imperial power 2. Gentlemen’s Agreement- Japanese immigration to the U.S.

A. Cuba as a Protectorate 1. Platt Amendment – restricted Cuba’s autonomy in diplomatic relations with other countries and in internal financial policies B. Panama Canal 1. Treaty of Hay-Bunau-Varilla, 1904: a. Panama Canal Zone became a U.S. Protectorate b. Cut shipping cost, travel time, and increased U.S. military presence

V. American Imperialism in Latin America

C. Roosevelt Corollary, 1904 – attempted to justify U.S. intervention and authority in the region D. Dollar Diplomacy – President Taft 1. “substitution of dollars for bullets” a. encouraged American investments in Latin America b. tied underdeveloped countries to U.S. economically & strategically

American Imperialism in Latin America