Chapter 20

Transformation from buggies to automobiles to airplanes within a single lifetime.
Experienced two major wars and the worst depression in American history.
Shaped by:
- Continued industrialization
- Urbanization
- Immigration
Expansion of government role to address economic challenges and global conflicts.
Debates on government roles, science, religion, culture, and ethnic diversity.
Revival of organizations like the Ku Klux Klan during this period.
Transition from non-involvement in foreign policy to reluctant acceptance of global leadership.

7.1: Difficulties faced by governmental, political, and social organizations in managing large-scale industrialization and economic changes.
7.2: Revolutions in technology impact cultural shifts and identity amid increasing conflicts.
7.3: Global debates on resources and ideologies lead to reaffirmations of national values and international engagement.

Quotes:
- Senator Albert Beveridge (April 27, 1898): "We are Anglo-Saxons and… must occupy new markets."
- William Jennings Bryan (December 13, 1898): "Our… interests forbid a career of conquest."
U.S. foreign policy evolved from westward expansion to global influence post-Civil War, acquiring territories in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Seward and Alaska:
- William H. Seward (Secretary of State 1861-1869) influenced expansionism and negotiated the purchase of Alaska for $7.2 million, despite initial public skepticism (termed "Seward's Folly").
French in Mexico:
- During the Civil War, Seward used the Monroe Doctrine to threaten France, which subsequently withdrew from Mexico.

Late 19th century industrialization heightened U.S. foreign involvement for resources and markets.
- Advocated by interests in industry, military, and religion.
- International Darwinism: Survival of the fittest applied to international relations.
Beginnings of American imperialism parallels concurrent global imperialism from nations like Britain, Japan, and France.

Missionaries: Josiah Strong advocated for Anglo-Saxon superiority and civilizing missions abroad.
Politicians and Naval Strategies: Influential figures like Theodore Roosevelt pushed for naval strength—highlighted in Alfred Thayer Mahan's book which emphasized naval power.
Media Influence: The press fueled public interest in foreign conflicts, promoting expansionist sentiment.

Pan-American Conference (1889): Established cooperative trade relations in Latin America, organized by James G. Blaine.
Venezuelan Boundary Dispute (1895-1896): U.S. intervention based on the Monroe Doctrine improved U.S.-British relations.

U.S. motives included economic interests in Cuba, humanitarian concerns over Spanish rule, and national pride fueled by jingoism.
Key Events Preceding War:
- Cuban revolt driving U.S. sympathy.
- Yellow Journalism led by Pulitzer and Hearst exaggerated Spanish atrocities, increasing public support for intervention.
De Lôme Letter: Exposed Spain's condescension towards the U.S. leading to further outrage.
Sinking of the Maine: Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor, blamed on Spain, triggered war declaration by the U.S.

Initiated in the Philippines under Dewey's command, resulting in quick victories.
Cuba Campaigns: Tropical diseases took more American lives than Spanish forces; notable victories included San Juan Hill led by Rough Riders.

Treaty outlines included Cuban independence, U.S. acquisitions of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines for $20 million.
Debate over imperialism intensified in the U.S.
Insular Cases: Supreme Court decisions clarified that constitutional rights did not automatically extend to new territories.

Platt Amendment (1901): Required Cuba to allow U.S. intervention for maintaining order, fundamentally reducing their sovereignty.

Big Stick Diplomacy: Roosevelt's approach included a focus on U.S. maritime strength and interventionism in Latin America.
Supporting Panama's independence from Colombia facilitated U.S. canal construction rights, resulting in the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty and completion of the canal by 1914.

Expansionism of the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was influenced by economic motives, humanitarian concerns, and national pride, amidst a backdrop of international competition.

The U.S. foreign policy toward newly acquired territories raised questions about civil rights, imperialism, and the contradiction of American ideals.

Key Figures: Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, William H. Seward, John Hay.
Key Events: Spanish-American War, Panama Revolution, the acquisition of Alaska, Pan-American Conference.
Key Concepts: International Darwinism, yellow journalism, big stick diplomacy, the Platt Amendment, the insular cases, Dollar Diplomacy.