The American Yawp Chapter 19: American Empire

American Expansionism and Imperialism

• Transition from Domestic to Foreign Focus

  • Shift in American attention from domestic issues to overseas expansion after the 19th century.

  • Economic improvement and a new sense of Manifest Destiny fueled interest in imperialism.

• Factors Leading to Imperialism

  • Experience of subjugating Native American tribes set a precedent for controlling dependent peoples.

  • Closing of the frontier raised fears of dwindling natural resources.

  • Economic depression in the 1890s drove businessmen to seek new markets abroad.

  • Observation of European imperialism led to concerns about missing out on advantageous markets and territories.

Justifications for Imperialism

• Darwinian Theories

  • Expansionism was justified by interpretations of Darwin’s theories of survival of the fittest.

  • Belief that stronger nations had a natural right to dominate weaker ones.

• Hawaiian Influence

  • American presence in Hawaii initiated due to trade interests with China.

  • Introduction of Christianity, diseases, and economic practices that altered native lifestyles.

  • Native protests against subjugation culminated in eventual acceptance of American statehood.

Spanish-American War

• Origins of the War

  • Conflict escalated under President McKinley, spurred by the inhumane treatment of Cubans by Spain.

  • Destruction of the USS Maine fueled public outcry for war; later found to be an accident.

• War Overview

  • John Hay termed the Spanish-American War a “splendid little war” due to its swift nature.

  • Total casualties: approximately 5,200 soldiers from disease, under 500 from combat.

  • Black soldiers served alongside Cuban forces, heightening awareness of racial injustices.

• Territorial Gains

  • The U.S. gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines through the Treaty of Paris.

  • Puerto Rico was economically transformed into a colony with limited citizenship rights for its residents.

American Imperialism in the Philippines

• Annexation Issues

  • The Philippines became the focus of a divisive anti-imperialist movement, prompting debates about American moral obligations.

  • Concerns included the potential impact on American demographics and the morality of imperialist actions.

• Philippine-American War

  • The conflict lasted four years, resulting in significant casualties (at least 50,000 Filipinos).

  • American forces employed ruthless tactics akin to those used by the Spanish.

  • Reports of atrocities turned public sentiment against the war by 1902.

  • Despite brutality, Filipino independence was finally recognized in 1946.

Open Door Policy and Military Expansion

• China and Open Door Policy

  • John Hay proposed a policy to maintain trade freedoms in China amid colonial claims by multiple powers.

  • The Boxer Rebellion prompted acceptance of the policy by foreign nations.

• Military Reforms

  • The Spanish-American War exposed weaknesses in the military.

  • Following reforms, the army grew significantly, leading to a stronger military presence.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Foreign Policy

• Interventionist Doctrine

  • Roosevelt justified intervention in foreign affairs, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, as a form of moral obligation.

  • Concept of the "white man’s burden" supported imperialistic ambitions.

• Panama Canal

  • Roosevelt orchestrated a revolution in Panama to secure favorable terms for the canal’s construction, asserting U.S. dominance in the region.

Wilson’s Presidency and International Challenges

• Contrast to Taft’s Policies

  • Wilson rejected Taft’s imperialist approaches and refused support for oppressive regimes.

  • Faced numerous crises, including intervention in Haiti and the purchase of the Virgin Islands.

• Villa Incident

  • Tensions with Mexico escalated after Pancho Villa’s raid, leading Wilson to send troops without success.

Domestic Implications of Imperialism

• Involvement of Women

  • American women participated significantly in both support for and opposition to imperialism.

  • Roles included missionaries, teachers, and business representatives, reflecting a blend of domesticity and imperial ambitions.

• Immigration and Nativism

  • Link between industrialization, imperialism, and immigration shaped public perception and policy.

  • Rising immigration from new groups raised concerns about cultural assimilation and national identity.

• Nativist Responses

  • Scientific theories lent support to limits on immigration, viewing immigrants as a threat to social stability.

  • Legislation targeted specific nationalities, most notably Chinese and Japanese immigration.

Conclusion

• Evolving American Identity

  • The period marked a conflict between expansionist ideals and emerging anti-imperialist sentiments, with significant socio-political consequences for the U.S.

  • The interplay between imperialism and immigration illustrated deep-seated anxieties about the nation’s demographic and cultural identity.