6 9 American Imperialism BRONX GUILD HIGH SCHOOL

6. 9 American Imperialism BRONX GUILD HIGH SCHOOL US History

Imperialism � Policy of extending a country’s power through diplomacy or military force.

Reasons for American Imperialism �Economic Reasons • Colonies provide raw material for factories, and a market to sell goods �Desire to be World Power • European powers were all imperialist �Moral Superiority • Spread Christianity, Democracy, American way of life

Spanish-American War � 1894 – Cubans rebel against Spain to obtain independence � Spanish army sent to Cuba used brutal force to put down rebellion • American public outraged by brutal force and atrocities

Spanish-American War � Yellow Journalism • US Newspapers distort and exaggerate stories to sell more � Economic Interests • U. S. wanted to protect $50 million invested in Cuba � Sinking of U. S. S. Maine • Exploded in Havana Harbor. Press blames on Spanish

Explosion of the Maine February 15, 1898

Explosion of the USS Maine Havana Harbor, 1898

“Awake United States!” This song was rushed into print between the sinking of the Maine on February 15, 1898, and the declaration of war on April 25, 1898. Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry! And how proudly sailed the warship Maine, a Nation’s pride, without a stain! A wreck she lies, her sailors slain. By two-faced butchers, paid by Spain! Eagle soar on high, And sound the battle cry Wave the starry flag! In mud it shall not drag! 9

Treaty of Paris (1898) � 10 -week naval war � U. S. wins • Temporary control of Cuba • Indefinite colonial authority over Puerto Rico, Guam and The Philippines � End of Spanish Empire

The Philippines � Filipinos expected independence once US defeats Spain � United States annexes islands, Filipinos revolt � Filipinos defeated � U. S. controls Philippines 1902 – 1946 � Also gain control of Hawaii

America in China � Open Door Policy (1899) • All nations should have equal trading rights in China

United States and Japan � Japan had not allowed its people to have contact with other countries for ~200 years � 1858 – Matthew Perry sent to Japan with fleet of gunships to demand Japan open its ports to trade with U. S. � Fearing invasion, Japan gives in.

The Panama Canal 1903 – U. S. decides to build canal across Panama � U. S. offers Colombia $10 million for the land to build the canal � • Colombia delays, U. S. bargains with rebel army in Panama to help gain independence from Colombia • After Panamanian independence, rebels sell land to U. S. • Many Latin American countries angered at U. S. actions � Panama Canal constructed, 1903 - 1914

U. S. in Latin America � 1904 – Theodore Roosevelt declares U. S. will act as policeman in Western Hemisphere � “Big Stick Policy” • Justify sending U. S. troops to Central America, Haiti, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico • Causes many Latin Americans to resent United States

“Awake United States!” This song was rushed into print between the sinking of the Maine on February 15, 1898, and the declaration of war on April 25, 1898. Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry! And how proudly sailed the warship Maine, a Nation’s pride, without a stain! A wreck she lies, her sailors slain. By two-faced butchers, paid by Spain! Eagle soar on high, And sound the battle cry Wave the starry flag! In mud it shall not drag! 18