Study Notes on American Imperialism
Introduction to American Imperialism
Concept of America as a business rather than an empire, leading to the opening of international interests.
First venture into Japan as a key location for American presence.
Commodore Perry and Japan (1853)
Commodore Perry sails to Japan with coal-burning ships, known as the "black ships."
Confrontation leads Japan to abandon its isolationist policy under the Tokugawa shogunate.
Treaties executed without military conflict; America achieves trade with Japan through intimidation, likened to mafia tactics.
Isolationist Period During the 1860s
Following Commodore Perry's expedition, America's focus shifts internally during the 1860s, leading to a diminished naval presence.
Discussions about how the Civil War influences naval buildup post-war.
Alfred Thayer Mahan and Naval Power
Alfred Thayer Mahan, a professor at West Point, emphasizes naval dominance as key to global power.
Publishes works arguing that control of the seas equals control of the world, influencing America’s naval strategy.
Resulting modernization of the U.S. Navy with steel ships and modern artillery around 1890.
The Sleeping Giant: China
China viewed as a potential market due to its lack of rapid industrialization, referred to as a "sleeping giant."
Burlingame-Seward Treaty establishes initial trade relations; expanded by Secretary of State Hayes's Open Door Note in the 1890s.
The Open Door policy aimed to ensure fair competition and investment in China amid European colonial interests.
The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)
The Boxer Rebellion arises in response to Western influence, particularly against foreign nations, including American interests.
U.S. Marines sent to protect commercial interests during the uprising, becoming a common theme in American foreign policy.
Aftermath leads to heavy indemnities imposed on China: $333 million for property and $24 million specifically for American interests.
Emergence of America on the International Stage
America's increased international presence following conflicts in Japan and China.
Achieves recognition as a semi-equal power among European nations.
Big Sister Policy and Latin American Relations
Secretary of State James Blaine initiates the Big Sister Policy for economic cooperation with Latin American countries.
Hosts the first Pan-American Conference, promoting U.S. investment and access to markets in Latin America.
Tariff Politics and Imperialism
Tariffs historically favored northeastern banks and protected U.S. infant industries.
In the late 1800s, political views shift; tariffs seen as detrimental to mature American industries.
Case Study: Hawaii
Discussion of the strategic importance of Hawaii for American trade and naval interests since 1842.
President John Tyler highlights Hawaii's potential as a port and its sugar plantations' profitability for American interests.
The Bayonet Constitution
Sanford Dole and the Dole Fruit Company play a crucial role in pushing for a new constitution in 1887, disenfranchising native Hawaiians and placing power in white landowners’ hands.
Overthrow of Hawaiian Monarchy
Dole and a group of white planters organize a coup with support from U.S. diplomats and Marines in 1893.
Grover Cleveland, initially opposed to annexation, signifies a turning point in U.S.-Hawaiian relations.
Annexation of Hawaii (1898)
During the Spanish-American War, Hawaii is strategically annexed without a fully recognized status.
Sugar export statistics illustrate a significant increase post-annexation: 4,000 pounds in 1850 to 289,500,000 pounds in 1900.
Spanish-American War (1898)
Economic motivations for the war centered around tariffs that adversely affected American sugar plantations in Cuba.
A combination of sensationalized journalism and the explosion of the USS Maine ignited public support for war.
The Teller Amendment
It promises Cuban sovereignty post-war while justifying U.S. intervention.
Commodore Dewey and Manila
Commodore Dewey's naval victory in Manila against Spanish forces highlights the superiority of U.S. naval power.
Land Invasion and Cuban Conflict
The challenge of land invasions in Cuba, exacerbated by soldiers' health issues and unfamiliar terrain.
The Rough Riders, led by Theodore Roosevelt, ultimately secure victory for U.S. forces.
Treaty of Paris (1898)
Resulting territorial changes include Spain recognizing Cuban independence, with the U.S. gaining Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, and compensation of $20 million for the Philippines.
Challenges of Colonization in the Philippines
Early violent suppression of Philippine resistance, leading to American torture and oppression.
Introduction of civilian governance under Taft, promoting "benevolent assimilation" with investments in infrastructure and education while asserting the need for American oversight.
Constitutional Dilemmas in Colonized Territories
Legal questions about whether the U.S. Constitution applies to territories gained; ensuing debates lead to the insular cases.
Distinction between incorporated and unincorporated territories, affecting citizenship and rights.
Anti-Imperialist Movement
Emergence of the Anti-Imperialist League, including notable figures like Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie, arguing against American imperialism.
Social Darwinism and Military Expansion
The role of prevailing social ideologies in supporting imperialist policy and military expansion.
The Panama Canal
Historical context of the canal's importance for trade.
Initial French failure leads to U.S. takeover efforts facilitated by a covert intervention in Panama.
Teddy Roosevelt and Canal Negotiations
Roosevelt’s administration secures the right to build the canal following the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty, establishing a U.S.-controlled canal.
Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
U.S. asserts a right to intervene in Latin America to protect its interests, leading to several military interventions.
Smedley Butler's Critique of Imperialism
Smedley Butler's reflections on his military service highlight American imperialism's exploitative nature, framing U.S. interventions as serving corporate interests rather than altruistic motives.
Summary
The era of American imperialism is marked by contradictions: claims of benevolence are countered by acts of subjugation and economic exploitation. The implications of these policies extend into contemporary debates over American foreign intervention and its moral implications.