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America Claims an Empire
American Imperialism During the 18th and 19th Centuries
Causes of American Imperialism
• Throughout 18th and 19th centuries, US moved across North America– It was the US’ Manifest Destiny, phrase coined by
John O’Sullivan to conquer the continent– By 1890’s, according to Frederick Jackson Turner,
American frontier is closed.• Now What?
Four Causes of US Imperialism
• Culture – Europeans colonized for centuries and US needed
to compete– Spread Christian and Capitalist ways
• Military– Expansion showed power of US military– Allowed greater protection of shipping lanes and
territories.
Four Causes of US Imperialism
• Economics– Improved technology increased need of new
markets/materials for US industry and agriculture– Needed raw materials to supply US factories– Needed new markets to sell US products
• Politics– Politicians needed to satisfy major political
contributors – Politicians needed to reinforce superior American
identity
Annexation of Hawaii and Alaska
• Alaska was US interest since early 1800’s– As Americans moved there to mine, fish, and
lumber, came into direct competition with Russia who had been there since 1700’s
– By middle of 1800’s, Russia couldn’t afford to expand in Alaska due to Crimean War, agreed to sell Alaska to US for $7.2 million in 1867• Originally seen as terrible purchase
– Seward’s Folly– Seward’s Ice Chest
Annexation of Hawaii and Alaska
• The US became interested in Hawaii at end of 1700’s because it was great for refueling on way to Asia– During 1800’s, US missionaries went there to spread
Christianity• Later people moved there for Sugar plantations
– Bayonet Constitution, 1887, American sugar planters militarily forced Hawaiian king to limit voting rights to only white land owners• Pearl Harbor becomes US Naval Base• McKinley Tariff of 1890 officially claims annexation.
Annexation of Hawaii and Alaska
• King Kalakua, who accepted the Bayonet Constitution, died in 1891 and was replaced by his sister, Queen Liliuokalani – “Queen Lil” sought to restore control of their lands
back to the native peoples including their voting rights.– White landowners in Hawaii organized a rebellion with
US Marines-President Cleveland was unaware of this.– Sanford Dole became President of Hawaii until the US
annexed the islands at the start of the Spanish American War.
Spanish- American War
• Cuba always an interest of US, especially during slavery period.– When Cubans revolt against Spain at end of
1800’s, many Americans were sympathetic to their fight for freedom
– 1895 revolt, launched by Jose Marti, threatened US trade interest, splitting support amongst Americans• Support business interests or support efforts for
freedom?
Spanish- American War
• Spain sends Valerio Weyler, to put down the revolt, in Cuba, resulting in thousands dying.
• William Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer exaggerated what happened to start a war-and sell newspapers-Yellow Journalism.– NY Journal vs. NY World
• De Lome Letter: secret letter criticizing President McKinley was published, angered Americans
• USS Maine-sent to Havana, Cuba to protect Americans and US property, “blown up” by Spain on February 11, 1898.
Spanish-American War
• June 1898, US lands at Santiago with poorly trained volunteer soldiers and inadequate equipment.– Rough Riders led by Teddy Roosevelt land– July 1, 1898, battles of Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill drive
Spanish out of Cuba and into waiting US Naval blockade.– July 25, US invades Puerto Rico and took possession of
that island too– Spanish-American War only lasted 16 weeks of fighting.
Spanish-American War
• “Splendid Little War”– April 20, 1898, Pres. McKinley finally asked
congress to declare war; 10 days later, Commodore George Dewey sails into Manila, Philippines
– Spain surrendered by August 1898; however, US and Filipinos didn’t know they’d lock into a conflict for another four years.
– Naval blockade of Cuba allowed US to trap Spanish in Caribbean
Spanish-American War
• Treaty of Paris, 1898– Spain gave:• Cuba their independence• Gave Guam and Puerto Rico to the US• Sold Philippines to US for $20 million
– Allowed US to add to its empire, but, not everyone was happy.
• Anti-Imperialist League- Formed to stop American expansion
Acquiring New Lands
• Puerto Rico– Was to gain protection and freedom for natives,
but, was too important in keeping presence in Caribbean and protecting pending canal
– Foraker Act set up democratic government, but President picks governor and Upper House, Puerto Ricans elect lower house.
– 1917, Puerto Ricans given US citizenship and allowed to elect both houses.
Acquiring New Lands
• Cuba– Teller Amendment: declared US uninterested in
acquiring Cuba, but US wanted hand in organization and to protect economic interests.
– Plat Amendment: required to be added to Cuban constitution• No Treaties that weaken Cuba’s freedom• US could intervene in Cuba• US could buy/lease naval bases
– Cuba remained protectorate until 1931
Acquiring New Lands
• The Philippines – Following the war, US involved with armed conflict
with Filipinos upset with American annexation– Philippines offered extraordinary access to
Chinese resources and markets• Abundant resources on island
– Filipinos, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, rebelled against US for almost 3 years costing 4,000 lives and $400 million dollars
– Philippines given independence in 1946.
Acquiring New Lands
• China– Philippines open door to China, but US behind in
influence– Europeans expanded influence following Taiping
Rebellion. US sought Open Door Policy.• Some Chinese wanted all foreign influence out of
China.• US helped China with this rebellion
America Influences the World
• Teddy Roosevelt assumed presidency in 1901 after William McKinley is assassinated by Leon Czlogloz.– TR refused to allow Europe to control
economic/political future of world.• Negotiated peace with Japan and Russia during the
Russo-Japanese War.• Secured building of Panama Canal since British and French
couldn’t do it.• British gave US responsibility for canal, US bought France’s
claim in Panama.
Panama Canal
• The US failed to secure permission from Colombia for canal, aided Panamanian rebellion– In return, Panama received $10 million with
$250,000 annual rent• Taking almost ten years to build, cost US $380
million- just for construction-and 5,600 lives• US “involvement” with the canal and
Panamanian rebellion ruined American reputation in Latin America.
America Influences the World
• During TR’s presidency, US became more involved in Latin America.– Many Latin American countries were in debt with
European countries and worried US– Added to Monroe Doctrine which prohibited Europe
from meddling in Latin America• Roosevelt Corollary: US would militarily protect Latin
American financial interests.
– When William Taft became president, he followed suit with Dollar Diplomacy • US will financially support Latin American countries
America Influences the World
• Woodrow Wilson added moral tone to US foreign policy during his presidency– Missionary Diplomacy: US denied recognition to Latin
American countries viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to US interests
• Mexico was major test:– Constant government change led to murderous coup d'état.– Francisco “Poncho” Villa and Emiliano Zapata, responsible
for killing Americans in 1916, Mexican gov’t.– Wilson sent John Pershing to capture Villa, war avoided
because of World War I.
