Study Guide: American Imperialism and the Spanish-American War

Definition and Strategic Foundations of Imperialism

• Definition of Imperialism: A policy characterized by the extension of a nation's power and influence over other territories. This is achieved through the use of either diplomacy or military force.

• Primary Motivations for American Imperialism: There are three foundational causes identified that drove the United States to expand its global footprint:

  • Desire for Military Strength: The push to build up the nation's armed capabilities to compete with other global powers.
  • Thirst for New Markets: The economic need to find new consumers and sources of raw materials for American industrial goods.
  • Belief in Cultural Superiority: The ideological conviction that American culture and values were superior and should be spread to other nations.

• Advocacy for Military Power: Alfred T. Mahan, a prominent naval commander, was a leading advocate for the expansion of American military power. He specifically argued for the strengthening and modernization of the United States Navy to ensure national security and global influence.

The Annexation of Hawaii

• The Fall of the Monarchy: Queen Liliuokalani served as the Hawaiian monarch until she was forcefully removed from her throne by United States Marines.

• Transition of Leadership: Following the removal of the Hawaiian monarchy, Sanford B. Dole assumed leadership, becoming the president of the newly formed government in Hawaii.

The Spanish-American War: Catalysts and Media Influence

• Cuban Resistance and Jose Marti: Jose Marti was a Cuban rebel leader who sought to prompt American intervention in Cuba's struggle against Spain. To encourage US involvement, he orchestrated the destruction of American-owned businesses within Cuba.

• Yellow Journalism: This refers to a specific, exaggerated style of writing designed to increase newspaper sales and influence public opinion. It was used famously by the publisher William Randolph Hearst to bolster his readership and agitate for American intervention in foreign conflicts.

• The Sinking of the USS Maine: A pivotal event occurred when the USS Maine blew up while stationed in Havana harbor.

  • The explosion resulted in the deaths of over $260$ Americans.
  • Although the cause was not immediately certain, the United States attributed the disaster to the Spanish. This blame served as a major catalyst that encouraged direct United States military involvement in Cuba.

Military Engagements in the Spanish-American War

• The Rough Riders: This was a volunteer cavalry unit organized and led by Theodore Roosevelt. The unit was sent to fight in the Cuban theater of the war.

• The Battle of San Juan Hill: While described as a battle of limited military significance in the broader strategic context, it remains famously associated with the Rough Riders. In this engagement, Roosevelt and his men successfully defeated the Spanish forces.

Consequences and The Treaty of Paris (1898)

• Treaty of Paris (1898): This formal agreement officially brought the Spanish-American War to a close and fundamentally altered American territorial holdings.
  • Independence for Cuba: Under the terms of the treaty, Cuba was granted its independence from Spain.
  • Territorial Annexations: The United States officially annexed Guam and Puerto Rico, establishing them as American territories.
  • Purchase of the Philippines: Spain sold the Philippines to the United States for a sum of $20\,\text{million}$.