Imperialism Textbook 2025 PDF

Page 1: Guiding Questions

• American Imperialism

  • Importance of understanding the motivations and consequences of American imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Key Questions to Consider:

  • Cuban Rebellion: Why did many Americans support the Cuban Rebellion?

  • The Maine Incident: Why was "The Maine" incident important in the decision to go to war with Spain?

  • Yellow Journalism: What is it and can you provide a modern example?

  • Spanish-American War: Where was it fought, and what were the results?

  • Philippine Annexation: Arguments for and against the annexation of the Philippines?

  • Philippine Rebellion: What was its significance?

  • Platt Amendment: What was it and its significance for Cuba-U.S. relations?

Page 2: Cuban Rebellion and American Support

• Cuban Revolution (1895):

  • Spanish General Valeriano Weyler forced many Cubans into military guarded camps.

  • Many Americans viewed Spain as tyrants and supported Cuba's fight for independence.

• The Maine Incident:

  • After the explosion of the USS Maine, Americans blamed Spain leading to increased calls for intervention.

• Impact of Economic Ties:

  • Cuba was economically linked to the U.S., with significant American investments in sugar and other industries.

• Yellow Journalism:

  • Sensationalized reporting from newspapers created outrage, with Hearst and Pulitzer competing to expose Spanish atrocities.

Page 3: Military Actions and the War’s Outcome

• Spanish-American War:

  • The U.S. Navy's quick victory led to the capture of the Philippines with Dewey's Navy overpowering the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay.

  • Mobilization of U.S. troops was less efficient; many died from poor conditions rather than combat.

  • Key Battles:

    • San Juan Hill led by the Rough Riders, including Theodore Roosevelt, who became a national hero.

  • Outcome: The war ended with U.S. victory, leading to the Treaty of Paris allowing the U.S. to acquire territories.

Page 4: Annexation Debate and the Treaty of Paris

• Debate over the Philippines:

  • Proponents of Annexation:

    • Economic and military advantages, moral obligations to 'civilize.'

  • Opponents:

    • Concerns over ethical implications, economic burden, and competition with Filipino labor.

• Treaty of Paris:

  • Terms included independence for Cuba and acquisition of Guam and Puerto Rico, plus $20 million for the Philippines, solidifying U.S. as an imperial power.

• Philippine Rebellion: Emilio Aguinaldo led guerrilla attacks against U.S. forces due to discontent over annexation, leading to a brutal conflict.

Page 5: U.S. Influence in Asia

• Sphere of Influence:

  • U.S. desired to secure a sphere of influence in Asia for economic reasons and to counter European dominance.

• Open Door Policy:

  • Aimed to ensure equal trading rights in China and prevent any single nation from monopolizing trade.

• Boxer Rebellion:

  • A Chinese uprising against foreign influence which resulted in international intervention.

Page 6: Engineering the Panama Canal

• Construction of the Panama Canal:

  • Completed under a treaty with Panama, took 10 years and significant loss of life; had great importance for trade and military efficiency.

• Roosevelt Corollary:

  • Expanded the Monroe Doctrine, asserting U.S. right to intervene in Latin American nations under certain circumstances, furthering American influence in the region.

• Dollar Diplomacy: Popularized by Taft, aimed to support U.S. investments abroad and promote stability in countries with American economic interests.