American Imperialism and Anti-Imperialism

There was significant anti-imperialism in the U.S.
- Mark Twain: A notable anti-imperialist.
- American Anti-Imperialist League (formed in 1898): Opposed the U.S. taking over the Philippines.
The Philippines takeover was a key moment because it challenged the belief in American values.
- Violated the republican principle of self-government.
- Contradicted the idea of consent of the governed.
- Went against the beliefs of Washington (staying out of world affairs) and Lincoln (government by the people).
The anti-imperialist league did not win public opinion due to the popularity of the Spanish-American War.
Poems like "The Black Man's Burden" and "The Real White Man's Burden" mocked the idea of the "white man's burden".
- They criticized the notion of helping overseas people by imposing industrialization, taxes, and job insecurity on them.
- Highlighted the racial issues within America being spread overseas.

Gunboat Diplomacy: Matthew Perry and Japan (1853)
- Japan was isolationist at the time, trading only with the Dutch near Nagasaki.
- Matthew Perry arrived in Japan on behalf of President Franklin Pierce, demanding trade relations with a treaty backed by a gunboat.
- This forced Japan to open up, leading to its modernization, industrialization, and transformation into an imperial power.
Tensions with Japan
- Incident where Japanese Americans were barred from public schools in California.
- Gentleman's Agreement: Japan agreed to limit Japanese immigration to America, while America allowed Japanese residents access to certain public services.
The U.S. and Japan had a "bound destiny" in the Pacific, growing in power but eventually colliding.

The U.S. got involved in a boundary dispute between British Guiana and Venezuela.
President Cleveland warned the British not to take Venezuelan territory, citing the Monroe Doctrine.
England initially denied the America right to intervene but eventually, they agreed to arbitration, settling the issue.
The event helped the U.S. by enhancing its reputation as a Western Hemisphere power without going to war.
Latin American countries saw the U.S. as a protector.
This was the last time America and Britain were close to war.

American missionaries initially went to Hawaii with good intentions.
Later, their descendants saw economic opportunities in sugar and pineapples.
White planters, led by Sanford Dole, revolted against Queen Liliuokalani in 1893.
With unofficial support from American troops led by American minister John Stephens, the government was overthrown.
The new government sought annexation by the U.S.
President Grover Cleveland opposed the annexation, removed troops, and restored the legitimate government, earning respect from the Hawaiian people.
During the Spanish-American War, under the McKinley administration, Hawaii was annexed as a refueling station for ships on their way to Asia.

China was never fully taken over but was divided into spheres of influence by European powers.
Secretary of State John Hay called for an open door policy.
- This policy aimed to prevent any one nation from taking over China, advocating for all to have controlled areas without direct rule.
The U.S. got involved in the Boxer Rebellion in China.
- An international force, including the U.S., suppressed the uprising to maintain the Chinese government.

The U.S. negotiated the Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War.
This demonstrated Japan's rise and Russia's decline.
President Theodore Roosevelt acted as a moderator, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize.

The U.S. took over Guam, Hawaii, Samoa, Midway, and Puerto Rico.
Residents of these territories became American citizens.
- Puerto Ricans have been American citizens since 1913 but lack full representation in Congress and cannot vote for president.
America became deeply involved in world affairs as an imperialist power.