TP 7.1 - 7.3 (Age of Imperialism)

Becoming a World Power

Overview of the United States' rise as a world power, marked by its economic, military, and cultural influence on a global scale.

Defined as the expansion of an empire, characterized by one country exerting political, economic, and cultural control over another.
Key features include:
- Sovereignty and indirect control mechanisms.
- Cultural imposition on indigenous nations.
- Little to no movement of citizens to the controlled territory.
The U.S. entered the imperialist stage later than other nations, with notable events during the McKinley, Roosevelt, and Taft administrations including:
- Annexation of Hawaii (1898)
- Acquisition of Puerto Rico and the Philippines post-Spanish-American War.
- Construction of the Panama Canal.

Political and economic control by one power over another.
- Considered "empire building."
- Often enforced by force with a cultural assimilation effect.
- Differentiates from colonialism primarily in the minimal population movement.

President Millard Fillmore and Commodore Matthew Perry initiated the opening of Japan, ending over 200 years of isolation.
Treaty of Kanagawa features:
- Protection for American sailors.
- Japanese ports provided resources for American ships.
- Establishment of an American consulate in Japan.

Goals:
1. Economic expansion (need for raw materials, new markets, cheap labor).
2. Military might (support for a strong naval presence).
3. Cultural influence via Social Darwinism and scientific racism.
Notable Advocates:
- Henry Cabot Lodge: Senate Majority Leader and imperialist.
- Commodore Matthew Perry: Key figure in opening Japan.
- William Seward: Strong supporter of American territorial expansion, including Alaska.

Alaska Purchase (1867):
- Acquired from Russia for $7.2 million, known as "Seward's Folly."
- Significant in establishing a framework for further U.S. expansion.
Hawaii (1893-1898):
- Economic interests and military strategic importance led to tensions and eventual annexation despite initial opposition.

Aimed at securing equal trading rights in China through negotiations led by Secretary of State John Hay.
Helped avoid being locked out of spheres of influence; claimed a diplomatic victory although no other nations responded positively.

Events leading to war included:
- The DeLome Letter, which insulted President McKinley.
- The explosion of the USS Maine (causing public outrage).
- Influence of yellow journalism promoting U.S. intervention.
- Financial investments in Cuban sugar plantations heightened U.S. interest.

Distinction between incorporated and unincorporated territories post-war, affecting citizens' rights and applicability of the Constitution.

Following Spanish defeat, Filipino expectations for freedom were dashed as the U.S. clashed with Filipinos after Aguinaldo declared independence.

Analysis of varying degrees of progressive foreign policy:
- Roosevelt's Big Stick Diplomacy emphasized military readiness as a means of negotiating power.
- Taft's Dollar Diplomacy focused on economic investment to secure influence.
- Wilson's Moral Diplomacy promoted self-determination, though inconsistently applied.

The Anti-Imperialist League argued for self-determination and against U.S. expansion, reflecting concerns about overreach and loss of American values.

Overall, the U.S. navigated complex political dynamics during this period, shaping its identity and role as a world power.