American ImperialismMr. Pagliaro

Seymour High School

AMERICA & IMPERIALISMPart 1

Part 1 Objectives

1.Identify imperialism2.Explain the economic and cultural

factors that fueled the growth of American imperialism.

3.Describe how the United States acquired Alaska.

4.Summarize how the United States took over the Hawaiian Islands.

What is imperialism?

• Imperialism – the policy in which Imperialism – the policy in which stronger nations extend control over stronger nations extend control over weaker nationsweaker nations

• In the late 19th c. US expanded beyond continental boundaries

Why imperialism?

• 1) Desire for Military strength – Mahan’s NEW NAVY

• 2) Thirst for new markets

• 3) Belief in Cultural Superiority – Social Darwinism/belief that Anglo-Saxons were superior

General causes of American Imperialism

• Sensationalistic yellow journalismyellow journalism• New Navy Policy: A. Mahan & T. RooseveltNew Navy Policy: A. Mahan & T. Roosevelt

• European Imperialism in Africa• Influence of Social Darwinism• Moral & technological improvement of

less civilized

The US & Alaska

• 1867-Seward’s Folly/Seward’s Ice Box•Alaska-$7.2

million• 2 cents an acre

Alaska

The US & Hawaii

• Bayonet Constitution-1887• Coup-1893

• Removal of Queen LiliLiliʻ̒uokalaniuokalani• Business interests

• Sanford DoleSanford Dole

• Military Interests• Alfred Mahan – The New NavyAlfred Mahan – The New Navy• Port @ Pearl Harbor

US Marines in Overthrow of Hawaiian Monarchy

THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

Part 2

Part 2 Objectives

1.Contrast American opinions regarding the Cuban revolt against Spain.

2.Identify events that escalated the conflict between the United States and Spain.

3.Trace the course of the Spanish-American War and its results.

American Interest in Cuba

• 1886-Spain abolished slavery in empire• Americans invest in Cuban sugar

The Spanish-American WarSpanish-American War

• Causes:• Yellow journalism (sensationalism)

• Headline wars:• William Randolph Hearst (New York Journal)• Joseph Pulitzer (New York World)

• Sinking of the USS Maine

U.S.S Maine ExplodesU.S.S Maine Explodes

• 1898-President McKinley ordered the U.S.S. Maine to Cuba • bring home American

citizens• February 15, 1898

• Maine exploded in Havana harbor

• 260+ men were killed

Before

After

Remember the Maine

The US Military in Cuba

• Rough Riders • Segregated regiments

Territorial Acquisitions

• 4 months of war – Spain relinquished:• Cuba*• Puerto Rico• Guam• Philippines

• * protectorate

• US began imperialistic foreign policy

Controversy: Annexing the Philippines

• Pro:• Moral responsibility

• “civilize” islands• The White Man’s

Burden

• Trade partnership

• Con:• Anti-Imperialism

League• Promoted self-

determination• Anti-colonialism

Led to: Philippine-American War (1899-1902)

America as a World PowerPart 3

Part 3 Objectives

1. Explain how Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy promoted American power around the world.

2. Describe how Woodrow Wilson's missionary diplomacy ensured U.S. dominance in Latin America.

3. Explain the purpose of the Open Door Policy in China.

4. Summarize the views regarding U.S. imperialism.

The Roosevelt Corollary

• What was the Monroe Doctrine?• T. Roosevelt worried about financial

status of Latin American nations w/ European lenders• Corollary stalled European interventionCorollary stalled European intervention• Expanded American role in Latin AmericaExpanded American role in Latin America• US = International police powerUS = International police power

• Big Stick Diplomacy (Big Stick Diplomacy (video))• JingoismJingoism

• Support anti-colonialism in WestSupport anti-colonialism in West

Panama CanalPanama Canal

Panama Canal

• Built 1904-1914 (Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson)• 1903-Panama seceded from Colombia

• US Navy blocked Colombian marine landing• US paid Colombia $25 million in 1921

• 1904-Construction began• 1905-1907-Rebuilt Panama RR, drained

swamps, removed threat of disease• 1909-Lock construction• 1913-digging complete• 1914-52 mile long waterway completed, $352

million, early & under budget

Taft & Dollar DiplomacyTaft & Dollar Diplomacy

• Investments used to strengthen American foreign policy• Attempts in Asia & Latin America

unsuccessful• Didn’t help protect from revolutions in

• Mexico• Nicaragua• China• Dominican Republic

China: Open Door PolicyOpen Door Policy

• Intended to protect American business interests in China

Timeline of Open Door Policy

• Late 1890s – Weakening of China’s Manchu Dynasty• European nations created commercial niches

• 1898 – US acquires Philipines, interest in East Asia increased

• 1899-Sec. of State John Hay indicated desire of “Open Door” to European nations in China

• 1899-1901-Boxer Rebellion – Society of the Righteous Fist opposed Western influence & Christianity

Timeline of Open Door Policy

• 1902 – Russia invaded Manchuria• 1904-1905 – Russo-Japanese War• 1905 – Portsmouth Conference led by

Roosevelt, reaffirms open door policy

Significance of Open Door PolicySignificance of Open Door Policy

• Signified a shift in American view to free trade

• Demonstrated American opposition to obstacles to international commerce