US Imperialism, Spanish American War, and the Philippine War

US Imperialism, Spanish American War, and the Philippine War

US Foreign Policy Before 1890s

• Policy of Non-interference: Since the Civil War, the US maintained a policy of non-interference in European affairs, focusing on isolationism.
• Economic Growth: The US economy grew due to the Industrial Revolution, but it lagged behind European powers in military strength.
• Economic Situation in the 1890s: The US became a leading producer of steel, wheat, and cotton. However, 90% of production was consumed domestically.
• Primary Export: Agricultural products, mainly cotton, remained the primary export.
• Need for Global Presence: The US recognized the need to become a world player in the global economy.

European Colonization

• European Powers: Great Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Spain acquired territories through colonization.
• British Empire: Great Britain held significant territories including Canada, Australia, and parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
• Motives for Colonization:
  • Resources: Acquisition of territories rich in iron ore, oil, and rubber.
  • Cheap Labor: Exploitation of cheap labor in colonized countries.
  • Economic Gain: Making money through control of resources and markets.

Shift from Isolationism

• Fear of Imperialism: The US criticized European imperial actions but desired a share of global influence.
• Depression of 1893: The severe economic downturn prompted the US to seek new markets and resources to avoid future depressions.
• Economic Superpower: The US realized the need to become a global trader to sustain economic growth.

Americanism and Manifest Destiny

• Americanism: A strong nationalistic idea emphasizing the country's interests above others.
  • Patriotism vs. Nationalism: Patriotism is love for one's country, while nationalism can lead to oppression and wars.
• Manifest Destiny: The belief in spreading American values and goodness around the world.
• Rise of Nationalism: The 1890s marked the beginning of the "cult of the American flag" and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Alfred Mahan and Naval Power

• Alfred Mahan: A naval officer, historian, and teacher at the Naval War College.

• Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1890): Mahan's book argued that national greatness comes from naval power and control of the seas.

• Key Ideas:

  • Powerful Navy: The US must develop a strong navy for military dominance and to secure commerce.
  • Partnership: There must be a partnership between business and the US military.
  • Overseas Naval Bases: Need for naval bases (coaling stations) for refueling and repairs.
  • Free Trade: Secure access to foreign markets and promote free trade.
  • Strategic Locations: Take possession of Hawaii and build a canal across Central America.

• Influence: Mahan's theories were widely adopted, leading to rapid naval expansion globally.

• Teddy Roosevelt: A young New York politician, Teddy Roosevelt, supported and implemented Mahan's theories as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

Annexation of Hawaii

• Strategic Importance: Hawaii's central location in the Pacific Ocean made it a key naval base.
• US Businessmen's Revolution (1893): A coup led by US businessmen overthrew the Hawaiian royal government, aided by US Marines.
• Queen Lili’okalani: The last monarch of Hawaii, was driven off of the throne.
• Provisional Government: Sanford Dole (of Dole pineapple) became the president of the temporary government.
• Annexation (1898): The US Congress annexed Hawaii as an official US territory.

Media Influence and the Spanish-American War

• McKinley's Reluctance: President McKinley was initially hesitant to engage in international affairs.
• Media Push: The American media pushed for US imperialism.
• Monroe Doctrine:
  • Original Doctrine (1823): The Americas were no longer open to colonization by European nations.
  • McKinley's Twist: The US should help colonies gain independence from European powers. This was not the original intent of the Monroe Doctrine.
• Cuba:
  • Cuban Revolution: A revolution brewed in Cuba, which had been under Spanish control since 1492.
  • Business/media Involvement: US businesses and media saw it as an opportunity.

William Randolph Hearst and Yellow Journalism

• William Randolph Hearst: A newspaper publisher who controlled a large media empire.
• Yellow Journalism: Using dramatic, exaggerated headlines and sensational stories to influence public opinion.
• Goal: To incite the US to intervene in the Cuban revolution.
• Exaggeration: Hearst exaggerated Spanish atrocities in Cuba to create public support for intervention.

USS Maine Incident

• USS Maine in Havana (February 1898): Sent on a humanitarian mission.
• Explosion (02/15/1898): The Maine exploded, killing 266 sailors.
• Blame: The US and Hearst blamed Spain for attacking the ship (torpedo or mine).
• Truth: The explosion was likely an internal accident (boiler explosion) but that was ignored in favor of the yellow journalism coming from Hearst.
• "Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain": This was used to drum up public support for war.

Spanish-American War (1898)

• Declaration of War: Spain declared war on the US (04/23/1898), and the US declared war back two days later.
• Naval Strength: Due to Mahan's recommendations, the US Navy was strong, but the army was small and unprepared.
• Volunteerism: Over 200,000 men volunteered for service.

Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders

• Resignation: Roosevelt resigned as Assistant Secretary of the Navy to lead a military unit.
• Rough Riders: A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Roosevelt.
• Battle of San Juan Heights/Kettle Hill (July 1898): Roosevelt and the Rough Riders gained fame, though the battle was won by an all-black regiment.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

• Acquisitions: The US acquired Spanish colonies: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
• Protectorate Status: The US claimed to be a protectorate, not a colonizer, but this was a lie.
• End of Spanish Colonial Power: Spain's role as a major colonial power ended.
• US as a Colonial Power: The US became an imperial power overnight.
• Colonies Excluded: Representatives from the acquired territories were not invited to the peace talks.

American Opinion on Imperialism

• Support for Expansion: Many Americans supported expanding American values and markets.
• Religious Support: Churches supported spreading Christianity to these territories.
• Opposition to Expansion:
  • Civil Rights Groups: Opposed imposing beliefs on others.
  • William Jennings Bryan: Advocated for independence for the territories.
  • Unions: Feared increased immigration.
  • Racists: Concerned about inferior races influencing the US.

Philippine-American War (1899-1902)

• Filipino Uprising: Filipinos rose up against Spanish control during the Spanish-American War, aided by the US.
• US Betrayal: After defeating the Spanish, the US took control instead of granting independence.
• Benevolent Assimilation: President McKinley claimed the US aimed to win the confidence of the Filipinos through benevolent assimilation.
• Filipino Resistance: The Filipinos, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, resisted US presence.
• Battle of Manila: US forces fired upon a group of Filipino soldiers.
• Guerrilla Warfare: The war involved guerrilla fighting across the islands.
• Atrocities: Atrocities were committed by both sides (more against civilians from American forces).
• US Control: The Philippines remained under US control until 1946.
• Forgotten War: The war was downplayed by the US government as a mere "insurgency" to justify their presence.

Election of 1900

• Candidates: McKinley (Republican) vs. William Jennings Bryan (Democrat).
• Republican Platform: Americanism and spreading goodness to the world.
• Democratic Platform: Anti-imperialism and equal rights.
• Roosevelt's Role: Teddy Roosevelt campaigned for McKinley.
• Result: McKinley won easily.

McKinley's Assassination and Teddy Roosevelt's Ascension

• Assassination: McKinley was shot by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, in Buffalo, New York (September 1901).
• Death: McKinley died from his wounds.
• Teddy Roosevelt as President: At 42, Teddy Roosevelt became the youngest US President.

Teddy Roosevelt's Domestic Policies

• Square Deal: Roosevelt's policy promoting fairness, cracking down on corruption, and looking out for the "little man."
  Level the playing field, but for white Americans only.

• Three C's:

  • Conservation: Established the US Forest Service and put millions of acres under federal protection for business exploitation.
  • Control of Corporations: Enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up corrupt large corporations - not always done in an equitable manner though.
  • Consumer Protection: Signed the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act to ensure food safety, made important in light of Upton Sinclair's book The Jungle.

• Imperial President: Roosevelt believed he had the authority to act outside of Congress and overused executive orders.

  • Past 25 presidents, a combined 1,200 executive orders
  • TR, 1,100 executive orders during presidency

Teddy Roosevelt's Foreign Policy

• Disciple of Mahan: Believed in a strong navy and using it to influence the world.
• Great White Fleet: Sent the US Navy on a world tour to showcase American power and intimidate other countries. Primary meant to intimidate the Japanese.
• Venezuelan Crisis (1902): Sent the US Navy to force Germany to back down from blockading Venezuela.
• Policeman of the World: Declared it the duty of the US to be the policeman of the world.
• Roosevelt Corollary (1904): An addition to the Monroe Doctrine, justified US interference in Latin American countries if it was the