Spanish American War Quick Overview

U.S. Isolationism and Expansionism

• Monroe Doctrine:
  • A U.S. policy stating that European powers must not interfere in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Aim to prevent European colonization in North and South America.
• Frontier Thesis:
  • Proposed by Frederick Jackson Turner:
  • The westward expansion reflects American ideals and promotes Americanism.
  • Justification for annexing western territories (e.g., Alaska).

Progressive Era

• Progressive Presidents:
  • Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson: Advocated against corruption and for reforms.
• Robber Barons: Industrialists such as John D. Rockefeller (standardized oil, horizontal integration) and Andrew Carnegie (steel, vertical integration) benefiting from monopolies.
• Sherman Antitrust Act: Legislation aimed to prevent monopolistic practices.

Social Issues

• Social Darwinism: Idea that the fittest individuals (or nations) will naturally prevail.
• Gospel of Wealth: Proposed by Andrew Carnegie stressing the importance of philanthropy and helping the less fortunate.

Economic Factors

• Laissez-Faire Economy: Minimal government intervention in business allowing for wealth accumulation and market expansion.
• Gold Standard: U.S. monetary system relying on gold and the implications for expansion.

Theories of Imperialism

• Alfred Thayer Mahan's Theory: Asserted that naval power is crucial for national power; control of seas and ports is essential.
• Big Sister Policy: U.S. strategy to encourage trade with Latin America while asserting influence.

Imperialism Examples

• Samoa:
  • Represented preclusive imperialism where the U.S. claimed territory to prevent others from taking it.
• Hawaii:
  • Strategic location and sugar plantations led to U.S. annexation in 1898.
• Cuba:
  • Involved in the Spanish-American War—U.S. assets at risk, and yellow journalism incited public fervor.
  • Teller Amendment: U.S. intention cited as aid for Cuban freedom without annexation.

Spanish-American War

• Cuban Independence Movement:
  • U.S.-Cuba relations strained by the scorched earth policy damaging American investments.
• Rough Riders: Led by Roosevelt; victorious at San Juan Hill, boosting American morale.
• Platt Amendment: Provided U.S. the right to intervene in Cuba's affairs, limiting Cuban sovereignty.

The Philippines

• Spanish Control: Mentioned economic struggles and low education rates among the populous.
• Annexation Debate:
  • Proponents viewed it as a mission to uplift the Filipinos.
  • Opponents argued it contradicted self-determination principles.

Other U.S. Policies

• Opium Wars and Open Door Policy:
  • U.S. opposed European divisions in China, promoting free trade access.
• Puerto Rico:
  • Limited government introduced through the Foraker Act post-U.S. takeover.
  • Insular Cases restricted Puerto Rican autonomy and highlighted U.S. control.

Roosevelt and Taft Diplomacy

• Roosevelt Corollary: Extension of Monroe Doctrine advocating U.S. intervention in Latin America for stability.
• Dollar Diplomacy (Taft): Utilizing economic power to influence international relations.

Military Interventions and Diplomatic Relations

• Panama Canal: U.S. supported Panamanian independence for canal construction.
• Moral Diplomacy (Wilson): Advocated ethical foreign policy, contrasting with Taft’s dollar diplomacy.

Challenges with Latin America and Asia

• Japan Relations: Gentleman’s Agreement to limit Japanese immigration due to diplomatic tensions.
• Venezuela and Chile: Varied U.S. involvements reflecting skepticism and varying levels of trust from local leadership.