holy grail

American Imperialism Overview

American Imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries significantly shaped U.S. foreign policy.
Key themes: continuity and change in foreign relations, evolving public opinion on imperialism.

Key Concepts of American Imperialism

The nature of American views on imperialism evolved between the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Analyzed through historical documents and declarations that guided U.S. foreign policy.

Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

Urged avoidance of entangling alliances.
Recommended foreign policy rooted in good faith and free trade.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Established U.S. opposition to new European colonization.
Declared U.S. non-interference in existing European colonies while asserting influence over Central and South America.

Perry Expedition (1853-1854)

Commodore Matthew Perry opened Japan to American trade through the Convention of Kanagawa (1854).

Expansion of American Territory

Alaska Purchase (1867)

Negotiated by Secretary of State William Seward for $7.2 million, equating to approximately 2 cents per acre.
Criticized at first as “Seward's Folly” but later recognized for its potential natural resources.
Influenced U.S. interests in Asia and British Columbia, especially after the Klondike gold rush (1896).

Hawaiian Annexation (1898)

Initially an independent kingdom, Hawaii faced pressure from U.S. interests.
The Bayonet Constitution (1887) limited suffrage and increased foreign control, leading to Queen Liliuokalani’s overthrow in 1893.
Sanford Dole became the Republic of Hawaii’s president until annexation by the U.S.

Spanish-American War (1898)

Prelude to War

U.S. involvement compounded by yellow journalism and public outcry following events in Cuba.
Key incidents: U.S.S. Maine explosion in Havana (Feb 15, 1898) and the DeLome Letter.

Major Conflicts

War declarations commenced April 21, 1898, with significant battles including San Juan Hill (Cuba) and Manila Bay (Philippines).
Involvement of Rough Riders led by Theodore Roosevelt demonstrated American military might.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Outcomes

Ended the Spanish-American War, establishing U.S. control over Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam.
The terms sparked debate among American politicians regarding imperialism and its socio-political ramifications.
Supporters framed it as a moral obligation; opponents criticized it as antithetical to democratic values.

U.S. Foreign Policy Changes

Roosevelt’s Big Stick Policy

Emphasized military readiness and diplomatic strength; exemplified through the construction of the Panama Canal.

Dollar Diplomacy (Taft)

Encouraged American investment abroad in an attempt to enhance U.S. interests, often through coercion.

Moral Diplomacy (Wilson)

Advocated for supporting democratic nations while opposing imperialism, emphasizing self-determination and humanitarian concerns.

Conclusion

American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a turning point in foreign policy, characterized by bold territorial acquisitions and a shift toward a more assertive global presence.
The repercussions of these policies continue to influence international relations and American identity.

Progressivism Overview

Progressivism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption.
Aimed to address social issues and improve society through reforms.

Key Features of Progressivism:

Emphasis on government intervention to address social problems.
Advocacy for greater democracy and political reform, including women's suffrage and direct election of senators.
Focused on social justice, labor rights, and addressing the excesses of capitalism.

Major Progressive Reforms:

Labor Reforms
- Child labor laws
- Workplace safety regulations
- Minimum wage laws
Political Reforms
- Initiatives and referendums to allow citizens to vote on legislation
- The recall election process to remove elected officials from office
Social Reforms
- Settlement houses to assist immigrants and the urban poor
- Prohibition movement to address alcohol-related social issues

Important Progressive Leaders:

Theodore Roosevelt: Implemented antitrust laws, consumer protections (Pure Food and Drug Act), and conservation efforts.
Woodrow Wilson: Advocated for the Federal Reserve Act and antitrust legislation (Clayton Antitrust Act).
Jane Addams: Founder of Hull House, advocated for social reform and women's rights.

Conclusion:

Progressivism laid the groundwork for future social reforms and emphasized the role of government in improving citizens' lives, influencing American politics and society through the 20th century.

The Great Depression Overview

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s.

Key Causes:

Stock market crash of October 1929, known as Black Tuesday.
Bank failures, leading to a loss of savings and purchasing power.
Drought conditions that devastated agriculture, particularly in the Midwest (Dust Bowl).
Decrease in consumer spending and investment, resulting in widespread business bankruptcies.

Impact:

Unemployment rates soared, reaching around 25% in the United States.
Poverty and homelessness increased dramatically; families faced severe hardship.
Decline in industrial production and international trade.

Government Response:

Hoover Administration (1929-1933)
- Initially favored limited government intervention; relied on voluntary measures and local relief efforts.
- Ultimately struggled to effectively address the economic crisis.
New Deal (1933-1941)
- Introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- A series of federal programs, public work projects, and financial reforms implemented to stimulate the economy.
- Key elements included:
  - Social Security Act (1935): Established a safety net for the elderly and unemployed.
  - Works Progress Administration (WPA): Provided jobs through public projects.
  - National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA): Aimed to boost industrial growth and improve labor conditions.

Significance:

The Great Depression transformed the role of the federal government in the American economy.
Led to lasting changes in social and economic policies, influencing future government intervention during economic downturns.
It set the stage for World War II as the U.S. economy began to recover due to war production demands.

The Roaring Twenties Overview

The Roaring Twenties, also known as the Jazz Age, was a decade characterized by cultural, social, and economic dynamism in the United States following World War I.

Key Features of the Roaring Twenties:

Economic Prosperity: Rapid economic growth led to increased consumer spending and the emergence of a consumer culture.
Technological Advancements: Innovations like the automobile, radio, and cinema transformed daily life and leisure activities.
Social Changes: Shift towards more liberal attitudes, especially regarding gender roles and sexuality, influenced by the flapper movement and changing fashions.

Cultural Significance:

Jazz Music: Jazz became the predominant genre of music, symbolizing the cultural blossoming of the era; notable figures included Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
Literature and Arts: The Lost Generation of writers, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, explored themes of disillusionment and societal change.
Prohibition: The 18th Amendment banned the sale of alcohol, leading to speakeasies and the rise of organized crime.

Political Landscape:

Isolationism: A focus on domestic issues rather than international involvement was prevalent in U.S. foreign policy.
Immigration Restriction: The decade saw the implementation of restrictive immigration laws targeting certain ethnic groups.

Conclusion:

The Roaring Twenties was a pivotal decade that set the stage for significant social transformations, economic changes, and cultural innovations that would impact American society in subsequent years.