USA IMPERIALISM

Imperialism (1898-1900ish):

Brief Summary – Dating back even before 1898, the USA had interest in expanding. From colonial settlement, to the Louisiana Purchase, and arriving at the acquiring Alaska, the only way for America to expand further was past its continental borders. The Spanish-American War will begin that process, and American expansion will only continue as time goes on. Thanks to this time period, the USA is firmly established as a world power.

Alaska and William Seward – In 1867, William Seward (Secretary of State), was able to push for the purchase of Alaska from Russia. Many criticized this purchase as a waste calling the event “Seward’s Folly”. At the time, there was no clear value of the land, but as time went on we found a valuable resource (oil).

Naval Power – In order to establish yourself as a world power, you need to control the seas. That was the point of view for Alfred Thayer Mahan. He argued that a strong navy was essential to control foreign markets and establish a nation as a world power. He wrote a book about it and it encouraged the USA to consider acquiring territories overseas.

Spanish-American War (1898) – Conflict between USA and Spain which led to acquiring of territories.

CAUSES – Cuban Revolt, Yellow journalism, De Lome Letter, USS Maine.

Cuban Revolt – After years of Spanish occupation, Cuban nationalists attempted to overthrow Spanish colonial leaders from the mid to late 1800’s. The revolt attempts only made the Spanish firmer    with their control (similar to the colonies and the British). Understanding American history, the Cubans hoped the USA would provide aid and support.

Yellow Journalism – The media/press can easily persuade the American public to think a certain way. One way of doing that is providing bold eye popping headlines followed by an exaggerated and sensationalized story about an event. This war between the Spanish was partially caused by Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. Both writers told exaggerated truths and false accounts about the Spanish occupation and rule in Cuba.

De Lome Letter – A Spanish minister in the United States wrote a letter criticizing our president William McKinley… This letter was published and Americans were very upset with the Spanish.

U.S.S. Maine – Stationed in Havana Harbor, this American vessel blew up and blame was placed on the Spanish. Yellow journalism contributed to the feeling of anger towards the Spanish and support for the conflict came from the American public.

WAR ITSELF – Secretary of State John Hay called this “a splendid little war”. Lasted no longer than a few months. American forces intervened in Cuba and the Philippines. In Cuba, Teddy Roosevelt led a volunteer regiment called the “rough riders” at the Battle of San Juan Hill (great victory). In Santiago Bay, the Spanish navy was defeated. In the Philippines, George Dewey led a fleet and was able to take out the Spanish influence.

POST WAR –

Treaty of Paris (1898) – The United States received Philippines (paid Spain $20million), Guam, and Puerto Rico from Spain. Also recognize Cuban independence. Topic of concern rotated around imperialistic vs. anti-imperialistic… What are we going to do with these territories? Will they be our colonies? Will they be independent?

Philippines controversy – Anti-imperialists wanted to NOT APPROVE the Treaty due to its stipulation that the U.S. was going to acquire the Philippines. Anti-imperialists believed that by not allowing Filipinos to self-determine what kind of country/government they wanted, that the U.S. was going against its principles from the Declaration of Independence. The Treaty gets passed, Emiliano Aguinaldo (Filipino leader) leads a rebellion against U.S. presence in the Philippines… but after 3 years of fighting, the U.S. defeats the Philippines and becomes under full control of the U.S.

Annexation of Hawaii – President McKinley decides to approve of the takeover (in light of SPAM events). Annexation as a state won’t occur until 1959. It became a territory of the U.S. in 1898 as a result of the McKinley Tariff persuading sugar planters to push for the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani (Hawaii a part of the U.S. means tariffs wouldn’t impact economy). Isn’t it interesting how William McKinley created the tariff as a House of Rep member in 1890 and was later responsible for annexing Hawaii? It’s just me that finds that interesting? Okay…

Platt Amendment (1901) – American troops will remain stationed in Cuba from 1898-1901. This amendment (not one of the 27 amendments of the U.S.            Constitution), did a few things including forbidding Cuba from signing a treaty with a foreign nation (that was a threat), allow the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs to preserve the nation, and allow the U.S. to have a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

SPAM effects – The U.S. has a lot of national pride and Europeans recognize the U.S. as a world power. The U.S. Navy will not have an active presence in international affairs.

Open Door Policy – John Hay (McKinley’s Secretary of State) was influential with this. He wanted to guarantee that all nations (not just European) have equal trading access and rights in China. Basically this controlled the “spheres of influence” and helped establish he USA as a world power.

Spheres of Influence – Major European nations already dominate regions of China where they can control trade and investments within their sphere.

Other Items to look up:

Henry Cabot Lodge – Supported American imperialism (more U.S. influence in foreign nations) and advocated for a stronger U.S. navy. On top of U.S. involvement overseas, he also attempted to prevent foreign nations having an influence in the western hemisphere. He advocated for a Monroe Doctrine that disallowed           non-European nations (Japan, China) from acquiring/colonizing Latin America.

Commodore Matthew Perry and Japan – Commodore Matthew Perry was sent to Japan to achieve commerce. Japan initially resisted but by 1854 Japan signed a treaty to open up its ports to trade with the United States. This is an early instance of United States intervention in Asia as well as early instance of imperialism.

“Rough Riders” – Volunteer regiment during the Spanish-American War… led by Teddy Roosevelt (before presidency). Famous for their charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba which was a great military victory. African-Americans were part of the “rough riders”. Also, this group prompted DMX to produce one of his hits “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” in 1998. Well… at least that’s what I think.

San Juan Hill – Location in Cuba where the “rough riders” led by Teddy Roosevelt claimed a huge victory in the Spanish-American War against Spain.

Boxer Rebellion - Chinese Nationalists who opposed imperialist motives of other nations                 (mainly the United States) participated in this. Example: Spread Christianity.

Russo-Japanese War – War that was fought between Russia and Japan over imperialist motives. The United States intervened shortly after the Japanese defeated Russia (big victory of an Asian nation of a European power). The U.S. held a conference and organized the winnings for both nations (basically the Japanese were mad because we didn’t give them what they felt they deserved after the victory). This happened in 1904.

Gentlemen’s Agreement – Discrimination laws against the Japanese existed in San Francisco around 1905-1908. Japanese-Americans were segregated in a school setting similarly to African-Americans in the South. Teddy Roosevelt reached a formal agreement (no law or legislation formally created) with the Japanese to restrict Japanese immigration to the U.S. In return, the U.S. was going to try and convince California to repeal laws of discrimination.

Teddy Roosevelt:

Teddy’s Big Stick Policy – Motto “Speak softly and carry a big stick”. Big stick alludes to aggressive foreign policy. Some can interpret Teddy’s approach for intimidation as distasteful to foreign nations. Imperialists celebrated Teddy’s authoritative approach to intervene in foreign affairs (G. Dub is probably not happy…).

The Panama Canal – In the 1800’s, the British and U.S. agreed that if a canal were to be built in Central America, that it would be a joint operation between the two countries. Seeking to build a canal independently, the U.S. was able to get Britain to sign the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty in 1901 which said that the U.S. can build a canal alone. During this time, Panama’s territory was under Colombian occupation and they were very stringent with allowing the U.S. to build a canal.    Teddy decided to take matter into his own hands and promoted Panamanians     to revolt against Colombia’s presence. With the support of the U.S. Navy, Panama and the U.S. was able to make Colombia leave without any loss of lives. To repay the U.S. for its newly established independence, Panama granted the U.S. territory to build a canal zone that connected the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The canal takes 10 years to complete (1904-1914). Feeling bad for being so authoritative and bully like, the U.S. decided to pay Colombia $25 million for taking land they occupied. Now the problem is… Will Panama be content with the U.S. operating the canal in their country for the next few decades? Roosevelt Corollary – This was an addition to the Monroe Doctrine (which opposed European intervention in the Western Hemisphere/Latin American countries back in 1823). Teddy asserted that the United States would be able to intervene in conflicts that occurred in Latin American nations (mostly stemming from European imperialism/colonialism in the Western Hemisphere). The reasoning for this addition was to allow the United States to have more control in this region of the world/slowly get rid of European influence on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. One way to enforce this was to have a military presence throughout Latin America. If needed, the U.S. military would intervene. The Roosevelt Corollary is an example of Teddy’s Big Stick Policy.

William Taft:

Dollar Diplomacy – Taft’s foreign policy that promoted imperialism through financial/economic means unlike Teddy’s military approach with the Roosevelt Corollary. For example, Taft encouraged U.S. banks to provide loans to foreign nations in order to get their foot in the door and begin having more authority in their economic interests. He also encouraged American businesses to begin expanding themselves overseas. Mostly the interests involved including locations in Latin America and East Asia.

California Alien Land Law 1913.