US Imperialism and WW1 – Part 2 of 6 | The Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War

April 21 1898 - December 10 1898 - a four-month conflict that established the US as a world power.

Early US Interest in Cuba

1854 Ostend Manifesto urged the US to purchase or take Cuba from Spain—showed economic and expansionist motives.

Cuba Before the War

One of Spain's oldest colonies producing sugar wealth; rebellions (1868 and 1895) led by José Martí for independence.

José Martí and Ybor City

Martí raised funds and support from Cuban exiles in Ybor City (Florida) to launch the 1895 rebellion.

American Motivations for War with Spain

Protect US investments in Cuba

Yellow Journalism

Exaggerated and sensationalized news by Hearst and Pulitzer to influence public support for war.

Jingoism

Aggressive nationalism promoting military solutions and territorial expansion over diplomacy.

Immediate Causes of War

De Lôme Letter criticized McKinley as weak; USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor (Feb 15 1898); Congress declared war April 11 1898.

Spanish-American War Fronts

Fought on two fronts - the Philippines (Sea) and Cuba (Land).

Pacific Theatre - Philippines

April 30 1898 Commodore George Dewey destroyed Spanish fleet at Manila Bay; Filipino rebels joined US forces.

Caribbean Theatre - Cuba

June 1898 17 000 US troops landed in Cuba; Rough Riders led by Leonard Wood and Theodore Roosevelt fought at San Juan Hill.

End of the War

Treaty of Paris (1898): Spain lost Cuba

Anti-Imperialist Reaction

Critics like Carnegie and Mark Twain said imperialism contradicted American democracy and self-rule.

Major Turning Point for the US

The US emerged as a global power with a strong navy and overseas colonies.

Cuba after War - Teller Amendment

April 1898 resolution stating US would leave Cuban government to its people after the war.

Cuba after War - Platt Amendment

1901 law allowing US to intervene in Cuban affairs and restrict Cuban foreign treaties.

Puerto Rico - Foraker Act (1900)

Established civil government in Puerto Rico under US control.

Puerto Rico - Citizenship Act (1917)

Granted US citizenship to Puerto Ricans and later let them elect their own governor.

US Foreign Policy in Asia (1899 - 1907)

Focused on commerce and naval bases as US became a major Pacific power.

Open Door Policy (1899)

Secretary of State John Hay proposed equal trading rights for all countries in China.

Boxer Rebellion (1900)

Chinese nationalist uprising against foreign influence; crushed by US

Japan and US Relations

1853 Perry opened Japan; Japan modernized and became military power.

Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)

Japan defeated Russia over Korea and Manchuria; Roosevelt mediated peace at Treaty of Portsmouth.

Roosevelt Nobel Prize

Theodore Roosevelt won 1906 Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War.

Gentlemen's Agreement (1907)

Informal agreement limiting Japanese immigration to the US.

US Imperial Policy 1901-1921

Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt Foreign Policy (1901-1909)

"Speak softly and carry a big stick" - Big Stick Policy to use power without war.

Great White Fleet (1907)

US naval tour showing America's global strength.

Roosevelt Corollary to Monroe Doctrine

Claimed US right to intervene in Latin America to maintain stability and prevent European involvement.

Panama Canal Purpose

Connect Atlantic and Pacific for trade and naval mobility.

Panama Canal Construction (1903-1914)

13 000-14 000 workers died of disease; cost $400 million; US backed Panama's independence from Colombia.

Panama Canal Zone

US gained 10-mile-wide control strip for the canal until 1999.

William Howard Taft Policy (1909-1913)

"Dollar Diplomacy" - promoted US investment in Latin America to expand influence and stability.

Dollar Diplomacy Details

Replaced European loans with US loans; supported Nicaragua's government; US Marines controlled customs.

Woodrow Wilson Policy (1913-1921)

Advocated "Moral Diplomacy" - promoting democracy and ethical foreign relations but still intervened in Latin America.

Wilson and Mexico (1913-1917)

Refused recognition of Huerta regime; angered Pancho Villa who attacked Americans in New Mexico; Villa never captured.

Shift to Global Perspective

By WWI