Study Guide: Imperialism and the American Empire

1. Causes of American Imperialism

• Economic:

  • Desire for new markets and raw materials.

  • Expansion of trade (Open Door Policy in China).

• Political/Military:

  • Need for naval bases and a stronger military presence (influenced by Alfred Thayer Mahan's The Influence of Sea Power Upon History).

  • Strategic acquisition of territories (e.g., Hawaii, Philippines).

• Social/Cultural:

  • Belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority and the idea of spreading civilization (White Man’s Burden, Social Darwinism).

  • Continuation of Manifest Destiny beyond North America.

2. Spanish-American War (1898)

• Causes:

  • Cuban independence movement and U.S. sympathy for rebels.

  • Role of Yellow Journalism in Inflaming Public Opinion.

  • Sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor.

  • De Lôme Letter insulting President McKinley.

• Outcomes:

  • Treaty of Paris (1898): U.S. gains Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

  • Cuba becomes a U.S. protectorate under the Platt Amendment.

3. U.S. in the Philippines

• Philippine-American War (1899-1902):

  • Filipinos, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, resisted U.S. control.

  • Brutal U.S. suppression; thousands of Filipinos were killed.

• Debate over Annexation:

  • Pro-Imperialists: Economic benefits, spreading civilization.

  • Anti-Imperialists: Betrayed American ideals of self-government.

4. U.S. in Latin America

• Roosevelt Corollary (1904):

  • Extension of the Monroe Doctrine.

  • The U.S. claimed the right to intervene in Latin American affairs.

• Panama Canal (1904-1914):

  • The U.S. supports Panama’s independence from Colombia to build the canal.

  • Increases U.S. economic and military influence.

5. Open Door Policy & U.S. in Asia

• Open Door Policy (1899):

  • Promoted free trade in China.

  • Aimed to prevent European dominance over Chinese markets.

• Boxer Rebellion (1900):

  • Chinese nationalists (Boxers) attacked foreign influence.

  • The U.S. and other powers sent troops to suppress the rebellion.

6. Anti-Imperialist Debate

• Pro-Imperialism Arguments:

  • Economic benefits (new markets, trade, resources).

  • Military expansion and global influence.

  • "Civilizing" and uplifting other nations.

• Anti-Imperialism Arguments:

  • Violated American principles of democracy and self-determination.

  • Led to costly wars and brutal suppression of revolts.

  • Racist undertones and hypocrisy.

7. Key Terms & People

• Alfred Thayer Mahan – Advocated for a strong navy.

• Yellow Journalism – Sensationalist news used to provoke war.

• USS Maine – U.S. battleship that exploded in Cuba, leading to war.

• Platt Amendment – Limited Cuba’s independence, and allowed U.S. intervention.

• Emilio Aguinaldo – Leader of Filipino resistance against the U.S.

• Roosevelt Corollary – Gave U.S. power to intervene in Latin America.

• Open Door Policy – U.S. effort to keep China open for trade.

• Boxer Rebellion – Anti-foreigner uprising in China.

8. Potential SAQ Prompts

1. Explain one economic, political, and social reason for U.S. imperialism.

2. How did the Spanish-American War change U.S. foreign policy?

3. Compare the arguments of imperialists and anti-imperialists in the late 19th century.

4. How did the Roosevelt Corollary expand U.S. involvement in Latin America?