Imperialism IMPERIALISM Obtaining an Empire by dominating weaker
Imperialism
IMPERIALISM – Obtaining an Empire by dominating weaker nations • America wanted “in” on world affairs. Looks to gain “Spheres of Influence”: • Latin America • The Pacific • China
• World power through • Alfred Thayer Mahan – naval power Studied the significance • Steam powered steel of sea power on the warships history of the world and – USS Maine urged the U. S. to build a – Led by Com. Matthew strong Navy (1890). By Perry 1900 the U. S. had one – World tour of the top Navies in the world
Latin America • U. S. newspapers urged the U. S. to intervene in the Cuban Revolt = “YELLOW JOURNALISM” “You supply the pictures, I’ll supply the war” – William Randolph Hearst – Led public movement to war w/ Spain.
• Steps to war… – De Lome Letter – “Intercepted” letter in which the Spanish Ambassador to Washington insulted President Mc. Kinley – The sinking of the USS MAINE… “Remember the Maine!” • The U. S. sent a list of demands to Spain, including a demand that Spain pay for the USS Maine. Spain agreed to most of the demands. When she failed to agree to all, the U. S. declared war on Spain beginning the Spanish. American War.
• Feb. 15, 1898 • USS Maine sank in Havana, Cuba • 250 sailors died • 1895, Jose Marti (Cuban Nationalist) – Launched a war in revolt against Spain.
• In Cuba… – The U. S. bottled the Spanish fleet in the harbor. When Spain tried to escape, the U. S. sank all of her ships. • Theodore Roosevelt led the “ROUGH RIDERS” on a successful charge up San Juan Hill.
The Pacific • As a result of the war with Spain, George Dewey launched an attack on Spanish ships in the Philippines. He destroyed the entire Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. – The U. S. annexed Hawaii in 1898.
Treaty of Paris 1898 • US gets Puerto Rico, Guam, Pacific Islands, and sold Philippines for $20 million. • Teller Amendment did not allow for the taking of Cuba.
• Platt Amendment: – Cuban government could not engage in foreign agreements without U. S. consent – The U. S. could establish 2 Naval bases in Cuba
China • John Hay established the “OPEN DOOR POLICY” with China, keeping China open to ALL for trade. More importantly, it signified the growing influence of the U. S. on world affairs.
Other Imperialistic Endeavors • PANAMA CANAL – U. S. sought a shorter route from Atlantic to Pacific for Naval and trade purposes. Picked up canal project where France left off. When Colombia denied the U. S. land rights, the U. S. helped overthrow the Colombian government and resumed work on the canal.
• Columbia had overtaken most of the country of Panama • The U. S. helps Panama win independence and regain territory lost to Columbia. – In return: • U. S. gains access to finishing the Panama Canal project. • This gives the U. S. shipping control between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. • Becomes a military advantage as well.
• ROOSEVELT COROLLORY – Said that the U. S. would intervene militarily to preserve the interests of Latin America. • Re-emphasizes the Monroe Doctrine – Warning European powers to stay out of American interests / colonies • **The U. S. had achieved its goal of creating an Empire**
- Slides: 14