America On the World Stage

Imperialism

an attempt by stronger nations to influence control or domination over weaker nations politically, economically, and culturally

Imperialism Motivations

economic, nationalistic, military

Why did U.S. declare war?

yellow journalism, nationalism, cuba

Cuban rebellion

rebelled against spanish control and gained independence with u.s. help after u.s. kept them on a leash
Ex: Burned sugar cane fields

General Weyler

Spain's best general- de reconcentration policy

Reconcentration camp

(like holocaust) many cubans died- was to stop citizens from helping cuban rebels

Econ Interest

hawaii and US renewed a trade treaty that allowed sugar to be sold duty-free in the US

"Yellow Press

(Hearst/ Pulitzer) exaggeration of news used to turn public opinion(in favor of rebels)

De Lome letter

letter from spanish ambassador that described Mckinley as "weak and bidder for admiration of the crowd" (press made tension grow with anti-spanish sentiments)

U.S.S Maine

Ship that was attacked 250 dead (public blamed spain)

Mckinley's war message

Sent a list of demands to spain- compensation for the maine, end to reconcentration camps, truce in cuba/independence
congress recognized cuba's independence and authorized war against spain

Maid cartoon

The people and congress want war Mckinley is fighting a losing battle

Teller amendment

Document promised that US wouldn't annex cuba

Why did some view it as a splendid little war

It didn't last long and there were low US casualties

Puerto Rico

had aided development in infrastructure/education and police force- got american citizenship with Jones act- could vote local legislators

Cuba

Teller amendment- allowed to make constitution- got independence 1934

Emilio Aguinaldo

Rebel leader that tried to have proclamation issued (philippines as a republic)

Philippines Rebellion

Tension after proclamation broke into war- many died- great brutality(independence in 1946) 3 year war

Mckinley's reasons

1. Can't give back to spain
2. Can't give to germany or france
3. Don't know how to rule themselves
4.That it was the only thing to do

Arguments against imperialism

1. Immoral
2. Anti-american
3. Racism
4. focus should be on domestic affairs
5. Colonies are costly
6. Competition for american labor

Annex

Join a new territory to existing country

Buffalo Soldiers

African american soldiers in own unit

MAIN

Militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism

Militarism

aggressively improving military

Alliances

agreement with another country(to not fight)

Imperialism

Bigger nations dominate smaller ones

Nationalism

Having pride and devotion to ones own country

U-boat Warfare

New weapon that changed naval warfare

British Naval Blockade

Cut off german supplies to trade

Lusitania

Sinking of a british boat that was caused by germany(carried a lot of U.S. Passengers) led them to join war

Sussex Pledge

Promise that german u-boats would warn ships before attacking (germany ended up pulling out)

Zimmerman note

Offer that germany made to mexico to start a war with U.S. in exchange for land

Wilsonian Idealism

14 points was provision of wilson wanted peace and no war

Treaty of Versailles

Ended the war (germany faced harsh repercussions)

Major points of TV

Germany pay reparations, disarm, lose territory, give up overseas colonies

Wilsons goals of TV

Achieve democracy/peace

European leaders goals of TV

Wanted germany to pay for everything and suffer

Treaty Debate

Whether or not to join league of nations

Wilsons LN arguments

To be a part of it/ help the peace/ keep countrys in line

Lodges LN arguments

nationalistic/ lose sense of pride- other countries would take over US/ we would be weak

Opposition

A disagreement

Reservationists

Liked LN but wanted to impose restrictions

Irreconcilables

group of senators who opposed treaty (view as a threat to american independence)