Imperialism and America

Unit 1, Lecture 2

American Expansionism

• Many American leaders believe U.S. should join global race for colonies– Imperialism: policy in which stronger nations take

over weaker nations for economic, political, or military control

• Reasons for Imperialism:– 1. Global Competition– 2. Desire for Military Strength– 3. Thirst for New Markets– 4. Belief in Cultural Superiority

Grabbing Land

• Alaska – 1867– Seward’s Folly– Ends up being a win

(oil, timber, gold)• Hawaii – 1897 – Economic gain (trade

in sugar, pineapples)– U.S. citizens take

island from native royal family

The Spanish-American War

• Cuba was a Spanish colony, wanted independence.

• 1896 – Revolution erupts, Spain sends in troops.– Newspaper coverage of the conflict is vital– Yellow Journalism: Exaggerates news to lure and

enrage readers• Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine– “Remember the Maine!” becomes a rallying cry

Spanish-American War, cont.

• War spreads to another Spanish colony: the Philippines

• The Rough Riders are sent to Cuba, fight in the Battle of San Juan Hill

• American blockade of the island is successful

Treaty of Paris

• Ends Spanish-American War• Terms:– Spain frees Cuba– Guam and Puerto Rico belong to America– Philippines are sold to the U.S. for $20 million

• President McKinley justifies taking the territory by saying that America needs to educate/Christianize the territory

Reasons• Global Competition

- Everyone else is doing it…• Desire for Military Strength - All the really strong countries have a strong navy

- Alfred T. Mahan, Commander of Navy, wantsmore ships

Reasons, cont.• Thirst for New Markets– So much new stuff…now where to sell it?

• Belief in cultural superiority– White, American culture is so awesome! Everyone

should have it (even if they don’t want it). – White Man’s Burden: Duty to spread white,

American, Christian culture / “civilize” people