United States Imperialism after 1890 EMPIRE Imperialism Basically

United States Imperialism after 1890 EMPIRE

Imperialism Basically imperialism is colonization round 2 Policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, & military strength over weaker territories

Why Imperialism in the USA? 1. Desire for military strength • U. S. navy modernized • 3 rd largest naval power in the World 2. Thirst for New Markets • Need for raw materials & new markets due to increased industrialization 3. European countries were colonizing Africa and Asia • In order to become a world power, the U. S. had to do the same

Alaska • First opportunity for expansion • Purchased from Russia for $7. 2 million in 1867 • About $0. 02 an acre • Lots of timber, minerals, & oil • January 1959: became 49 th state

Annexation of Hawaii • Since 1790 s: American merchants used Hawaiian islands as a rest/refuel station on their way to China and East India • 1820 s: American missionaries in Hawaii • 1840 s and beyond: Children and grandchildren of missionaries became sugar planters

Annexation of Hawaii 1890 - U. S. put a tariff on Hawaiian sugar. This required growers to pay a tax to import their sugar to the US, who was their #1 buyer If Hawaii was annexed, they would not have to pay the duty so they supported annexation.

Annexation of Hawaii • U. S. business groups organized a revolution in 1893 against the Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani • Successfully overthrew the government and set up a new government headed by Sanford B. Dole • 1898: Congress declares Hawaii an American territory • August 1959 - became 50 th state

The Spanish. American War

Cuban Independence • In 1895, Cuba attempted to gain its independence from Spain • Spain responded by sending 100, 000 soldiers to Cuba, who used extreme force and brutality • Destroyed sugar mills and sugarcane farms • Put thousands of Cubans in camps where they lacked food, water, proper shelter, and medical care

Cuban Independence • American newspapers reported on the acts of the Spanish • American sugarcane growers and investors lost money • The U. S. sent the U. S. S. Maine to Cuba to protect American citizens and American investments in Cuba

Causes of the Spanish. American War

Yellow Journalism § Sensational style of writing § Exaggerates the news to lure & enrage readers § American newspapers used Yellow Journalism to convince Americans to support a war against Spain

2. The De. Lome Letter The Spanish Ambassador to the U. S. got caught criticizing the U. S. President, William Mc. Kinley, calling him “weak” The letter embarrassed the Spanish Government and angered Americans

3. The U. S. S. Maine’s Explosion February 15, 1898 American newspapers reported that the Spanish purposely attacked the U. S. ship, killing 260 American men on February 15, 1898

The Spanish-American War (April 1898 - August 1898) War in the Philippines • Spain controlled the Philippines • U. S. led a surprise attack on Spanish fleet at Manila and destroyed every ship within hours • The U. S. then helped Filipino rebels fight for independence from Spain • August 1898: Spanish in Philippines surrendered to US

The Spanish American War in the Caribbean • American forces went in to Cuba very unprepared • Theodore Roosevelt led group of volunteer cavalry men, called Rough Riders • Major victory at San Juan Hill, in Cuba – Spanish fleet destroyed soon after • US invaded Puerto Rico

Effects of the War 1. Cuba gained independence from Spain 2. US got Guam and Puerto Rico 3. US purchased the Philippines from Spain for $20 million • Philippines rebelled against the US in 1899, but lost • Philippines eventually gained full independence on July 4, 1946

Panama- Why? • Canal through Central America would greatly reduce travel time for merchant and military vessels • Would create a shortcut between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

Panama is an isthmus (a narrow strip of land with sea on both sides that connects two larger land masses. )

Panama • Columbia controlled Panama • Had allowed the French to start building, but they ran out of money • Columbia did not want U. S. to build the canal • U. S. helped Panama organize a rebellion, resulting in Panama’s independence

Panama Canal • U. S. agreed to pay the Panama $10 million, plus an annual rent of $250, 000 • United States began construction in 1904 and finished the canal in 1914

Roosevelt Corollary • Addition to the Monroe Doctrine • President Theodore Roosevelt warned European countries that if they intervened in Latin America, the US might be forced to use its military to protect its economic interests • “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. ” (from an African proverb) • Meaning if negotiations (speak softly) did not work, the U. S. would use the military (big stick) to enforce order