Recognize the major factors that drove imperialism.
Major Themes and Historical Context
The debate surrounding the Treaty of Paris that ended the Spanish-American War.
Imperialists wanted to gain overseas territories to expand markets and resources.
Anti-imperialists opposed colonial expansion, viewing it as contradictory to American values.
The Philippines as a strategic entry point for American interests in Asia.
China: The Sick Man of Asia
Description of China as the "sick man of Asia" due to its weakened state from wars and foreign interventions.
Economic interests from several nations, particularly European powers and Japan.
Desire for trading rights and investment opportunities fueled U.S. pressure on its government to act.
1899: European countries and Japan establish settlements and spheres of influence in China for mining and railroads.
Open Door Policy
U.S. No desire to acquire territory but aimed to protect trading rights.
Historical treaties granted the U.S. trading rights at various Chinese ports.
Concerns about losing access to Chinese markets prompted the U.S. intervention.
Secretary of State John Hay introduced Open Door Notes:
Promoted equal trade access to Chinese ports.
Called for the elimination of special privileges by nations in trading with China.
Advocated for maintaining Chinese independence.
1900: Boxer Rebellion arises against foreign influence in China.
Resulted in coalition military intervention by U.S. and other nations.
Hay's follow-up notes emphasized equal trade and safeguarding Chinese unity.
Core beliefs of American expansion that emerged from the Open Door Policy:
Growth of the U.S. economy depends on export.
The U.S. has the inherent right to intervene in foreign affairs to keep markets open.
Closing off regions to U.S. influence is perceived as a threat to American stability.
American Leadership and Imperialism
President McKinley's reelection in 1900 aligned with expansionist policies, prioritizing trade and commerce.
The perception of the Philippines shifted in the public eye, as familiarity grew through expositions that showcased imperialist narratives.
Boxer Rebellion Outcomes
The Boxer Protocol (signed September 7, 1901):
China to execute officials linked to the Boxer Rebellion.
Forced payment of $332 million in damages to foreign entities; U.S. received $24.5 million.
Partial repayments went towards education for Chinese students.
Criticism from authors like Mark Twain regarding the moral implications of imperialism, articulated in his writings.
14.2 Acquiring Hawaii
Section Objectives
Discuss how the United States acquired Hawaii.
History and Ideology of American Imperialism
Imperialism seen as an extension of manifest destiny beyond continental borders.
Factors driving American imperialism:
Economic Expansion: Need for new markets for American industrial products; in 1900, exports reached $1.5 billion.
Military Strength: Advocated by figures like Admiral Alfred T. Mahan, emphasizing the need for naval power and strategic coaling stations.
Anglo-Saxon Superiority: Belief in the duty to civilize "inferior" races.
The Role of American Sugar Planters in Hawaii
Hawaii's economy heavily dependent on sugar cultivation; planters sought annexation to eliminate tariffs caused by the McKinley Tariff.
Political maneuvers by American planters resulted in changing laws to concentrate power in foreign hands.
Overthrow of the Monarchy
Queen Liliuokalani opposed foreign influence and sought to restore power to the monarchy.
A revolt by the "Committee of Safety" led to the establishment of a provisional government backed by U.S. military support.
The Republic of Hawaii formed, and discussions of annexation began with President McKinley.
Annexation and Aftermath
U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898 after gaining strategic interests during the Spanish-American War.
Hawaii became a territory in 1900 with laws that allowed limited governance for native Hawaiians.
The political climate included issues of sovereignty and rights of native populations.
14.3 Latin America
Section Objectives
Summarize U.S. policy toward Latin America during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Evolution of U.S. Relations
Shift from isolationism after the Civil War to looking for markets in Latin America, motivated by economic interests.
James G. Blaine aimed to create an extended influence in Latin America during the late 19th century.
The Pan-American Conference of 1889 aimed to improve inter-American relations but yielded little progress.
Military and Political Engagements
Notable events such as the Chilean Crisis of 1891 and U.S. involvement following disputes with foreign powers.
U.S. influence over Venezuela, especially in light of the Venezuelan Boundary Dispute with Great Britain, showcased assertiveness under the aegis of the Monroe Doctrine.
14.4 Building the Panama Canal
Section Objectives
Assess American expansion in Latin America and the construction of the Panama Canal.
Historical Context of the Canal's Construction
The strategic need for a canal became evident during the Spanish-American war.
The United States negotiated the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty, allowing for unilateral control of canal construction.
Construction Challenges
Decisions made on the canal route and health issues plagued workers, notably yellow fever and malaria.
Dr. Carlos Juan Finley identified mosquitoes as a vector for yellow fever, leading to prevention measures.
Construction led by Colonel George Goethals faced monumental geological challenges, requiring extensive dynamite usage.
Key Engineering Aspects of the Canal
The canal features a series of locks and was designed to accommodate the largest ships.
Operational success linked to securing health conditions for workers and building massive engineering works.
14.5 U.S. Governance of Cuba and Puerto Rico
Section Objectives
Discuss governance following the Spanish-American War.
Cuba's Transition to Independence
The Teller Amendment affirmed no intent for U.S. annexation of Cuba.
Platt Amendment established U.S. rights to intervene in Cuba under certain conditions.
American military governance involved reforms and substantial U.S. investments, but resentment grew towards interference in Cuban affairs.
Puerto Rico’s Governance Structure
U.S. control led to the Foraker Act, which restricted civil rights and established a governance model favored by U.S. interests.
The Supreme Court ruled that citizenship was not automatically granted in U.S. territories. Full citizenship was not extended until 1917.
14.6 Mexican Revolution
Section Objectives
List major events stemming from the Mexican Revolution.
Historical Figures and Events
Porfirio Diaz served as a long-term dictator until the revolution led by figures such as Francisco Madero and Emiliano Zapata challenged his rule.
Internal conflicts arose over land reforms and the rights of the indigenous and peasant populations, igniting a revolutionary spirit.
Aspects of U.S. Involvement
U.S. presidents navigated complex relations with Mexican leaders, reflecting imperialist preferences influenced by economic interests.
Woodrow Wilson's moral diplomacy faced challenges with rival factions in Mexico's political turmoil.
14.7 Conflict with Mexico
Section Objectives
Discuss U.S. interventions and outcomes during the Mexican Revolution.
Key Events and Outcomes
Wilson's interventionist stance was evident during incidents like the Tampico Affair and occupation of Veracruz, leading to casualties and diplomatic tensions.
The U.S. military engagement did not effectively resolve political instability in Mexico.
14.8 Nations Asserting Power
Section Objectives
Discuss how nations asserted power during imperialism.
Concepts of Superiority and Responsibility
Imperial nations justified intervention in smaller nations based on a perceived cultural superiority.
U.S. Actions in Various Regions
Conferences and diplomatic efforts showcased the U.S. desire to dominate trade in Latin America, paralleling actions elsewhere, including the Boxer Rebellion in China.
14.9 Expansion in the Pacific
Section Objectives
Examine U.S. expansion in the Pacific.
Strategic Interests
Commodore Matthew Perry's mission to Japan in the 1850s opened trade opportunity and marked the beginning of U.S. imperial interests in Asia.
Annexations and Acquisitions
The purchase of Alaska and the acquisition of islands catalyzed further American naval and military presence in the Pacific.
14.10 Japan Becoming a World Power
Section Objectives
Describe Japan's emergence as a world power.
Transformation of Japan
Isolationist policies transformed under the Meiji Restoration, fostering modernization and military reform.
Conflict and Recognition
Japan's military successes in conflicts against China and Russia established its status as a formidable power, formalized by treaties.
Global Role
Japan joined international organizations and was seen as a dominant figure in the Pacific geopolitical landscape.