Era+7+-+Imperialism+(Reading+2)

UNIT 7 - Period 7: 1890-1945

Topic 7.1: Contextualizing Period 7

  • Learning Objective: Explain the context in which America grew into the role as a world power.

  • Overview of Changes from 1890 to 1945

    • Transition from horses and buggies to automobiles and airplanes.

    • Two world wars and the Great Depression shaped American life.

    • Emergence as a world leader following WWII.

  • Economic Growth

    • Shift from a rural agricultural economy to an urban industrial one.

    • Growth of large corporations.

    • Cycles of economic booms and busts, culminating in the Great Depression.

  • Stability and Democracy

    • Progressive Era Reforms: Government actions to address economic instability.

      • Creation of the Federal Reserve to regulate banks and business cycles.

      • Reform of election practices, including direct election of U.S. senators.

    • Social reforms included women’s suffrage—landmark for gender equality.

  • Response to Economic Crisis (Great Depression)

    • Shift from laissez-faire policies to the New Deal.

    • Establishment of social welfare programs and regulations, such as Social Security and minimum wage laws.

    • Rise of American liberalism due to increased government intervention.

  • Cultural and Societal Conflicts

    • Rise of mass media (radio, films) leading to value conflicts in society.

    • Reactions against immigration and changing national identities, leading to restrictive immigration laws.

    • Resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan targeting various ethnic and religious groups.

  • Changes in Foreign Relations

    • Debate over America's role post-imperialism and in WWI and WWII.

    • Acquisition of territories prompted discussions on values of freedom and self-governance.

    • Post-WWII saw the U.S. emerge with unprecedented military power and a role in establishing the United Nations.

    • Commitment to anti-communism shaped American foreign policy.

Analyze the Context

  1. Increased Role of Federal Government: Economic crises (like the Great Depression) necessitated government intervention to stabilize the economy and provide welfare.

  2. Increased Role of the U.S. in World Affairs: Economic growth and military engagements in WWI and WWII solidified America's status as a global power.

Landmark Events: 1890-1950

  • 1890: U.S. industrial power surpasses Great Britain.

  • 1898: Spanish-American War begins.

  • 1901: Theodore Roosevelt becomes president.

  • 1917: U.S. enters WWI.

  • 1924: Immigration Quota Law established.

  • 1929: Great Depression begins.

  • 1933: Franklin Roosevelt begins implementing the New Deal.

  • 1941: U.S. enters WWII.

  • 1945: Establishment of the United Nations.

Topic 7.2: Imperialism: Debates

  • Learning Objective: Explain the similarities and differences in attitudes about the nation's proper role in the world.

  • Historical Context: Post-Civil War expansion influenced U.S. foreign policy, moving toward overseas territories amid debates about imperialism.

  • Expansion After the Civil War:

    • William H. Seward promoted the annexation of territories (Alaska purchased in 1867).

    • Hawaiian Islands: American interests led to support for the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.

  • Era of New Imperialism:

    • Imperialist nations expanded territories through military and economic control in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

    • U.S. expansionists favored diplomatic solutions to secure foreign locations.

  • Economic, Political, and Social Reasons for Imperialism:

    • Need for raw materials and markets.

    • Naval power considered crucial for protecting U.S. interests (Alfred Thayer Mahan's influence).

    • Social fears and the application of Darwinism rationalized expansionism.

  • Opposition to Imperialism:

    • Belief in self-determination and moral opposition to ruling other nations.

    • Economic concerns about the costs of imperial expansion.

    • Isolationism advocated by some Americans, reflecting George Washington's warnings.

  • Latin American Relations:

    • Monroe Doctrine established U.S. as protector of Latin America.

    • Cleveland's Action: Involvement in the Venezuela boundary dispute showcased U.S. resolve against European intervention.

Topic 7.3: The Spanish-American War and U.S. Foreign Policy to 1917

  • Learning Objective: Explain the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War.

  • Causes of the Spanish-American War:

    • Economic interests in Cuba and experiences with jingoism.

    • The Cuban Revolt renewed American interest, coupled with sensationalist journalism (yellow press).

    • The de Lôme Letter and the Sinking of the Maine incited public outrage.

  • Teller Amendment:

    • Affirmed U.S. intentions to liberate Cuba without annexation.

  • Main Battles:

    • Initial naval victory in the Philippines; swift engagements in Cuba, exemplified by the Rough Riders' charge.

  • Treaty of Paris (1898):

    • Recognized Cuban independence, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the U.S., and established U.S. control over the Philippines for $20 million.

  • Insular Cases:

    • Supreme Court ruled that constitutional rights do not automatically extend to newly acquired territories.

  • Cuba's Platt Amendment:

    • Restricted Cuban sovereignty, allowing U.S. intervention and establishing a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

  • Effects of the War:

    • Shifts in U.S. foreign policy asserted colonial powers.

    • New responsibilities in global affairs marked further engagement in international conflicts.