Imperialism and American Expansionism Sewards folly Yellow Journalism

Imperialism and American Expansionism Seward’s folly Yellow Journalism De Lome Letter USS Maine “A Splendid Little War”

American Expansionism • Global Competition Imperialism—policy of extending control over weaker nations • Ex: Scramble for Africa/China

American Expansionism • Desire for Military Strength • COMPETITION • U. S. builds modern battleships, becomes third largest naval power

American Expansionism • Thirst for New Markets • U. S. farms, factories produce more than Americans can consume • Needed raw materials + new markets for goods • Solution = Foreign trade

American Expansionism • Belief in Cultural Superiority • Social Darwinism + belief in superiority of Anglo. Saxons • Duty to Christianize, civilize “inferior peoples”

The United States Acquires Alaska • William Seward • 1867, arranges purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7. 2 million for 2 cents/ acre • Alaska called “Seward’s Icebox, ” “Seward’s Folly” • IRONY = Alaska rich in timber, minerals, oil

The United States Takes Hawaii • The Cry for Annexation • Merchants, missionaries, and businessmen invested in Hawaii • U. S. builds Pearl Harbor naval base with king’s permission. • Businessmen pressure U. S. to annex Hawaii

The United States Takes Hawaii • Queen Liliuokalani overthrown by business owners. • Set up government headed by Sanford B. Dole • Dole wouldn’t give Queen power back so U. S. made Hawaii an official state

Cubans Rebel Against Spain • American Interest in Cuba • Wanted to buy Cuba from Spain • 90 miles from Florida • Cuban War for Independence • U. S. public opinion split: • Businesses want to support Spain • Others favor Cuban cause: “Cuba Libre”

War Fever Escalates • Spain forced Cubans into Concentration camps • American newspapers report on the brutality • Headline Wars • Yellow journalism—sensational writing used to lure, enrage readers

The De Lome Letter • Headlines increased American sympathy • Private letter by Spanish minister in Cuba, Enrique de Lome published • Insulted President Mc. Kinley • American public angry despite Spanish apology

Explosion of the Maine February 15, 1898

Explosion of the USS Maine Havana Harbor, 1898

U. S. S. Maine 15

“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! 16

The Spanish-American War • Why did the United States Invade Cuba?

“A Splendid Little War” • Very inexpensive war to fight • April-August: only 15 weeks • Revenge against Spain for: • Not selling Cuba • The De Lome Letter • **The Explosion of the Maine • New territories in strategic locations • Guam, Puerto Rico, Buys Philippines, • Controls Cuba • Seen as a prominent World Power • Access to new markets for trade!