Imperialism Notes

Imperialism

  • Definition: Stronger nations expanding their economic, political, and military control.
  • The US is a product of British imperialism.
  • The beginning of US imperialism can be traced back to the Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny.

Manifest Destiny

  • Manifest Destiny is a concept that played a significant role in shaping American expansionist policies.
  • It was the idea that the United States was destined to expand its dominion and spread democracy and capitalism across the entire North American continent.

Spanish-American War

  • The Spanish-American war led to the acquisition of the first three pieces of land: Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.
  • The Philippines gained independence approximately two years after World War II.

Roosevelt Corollary

  • The Roosevelt Corollary is similar to the Monroe Doctrine.
  • The US assumed the role of international police officer.
  • World War I further solidified the US's role on the global stage.

American Imperialism BBQ DBQ

  • The American Imperialism BBQ DBQ is an assignment due soon.
  • Students should prioritize quality work over completing it hastily.
  • Practice tests will be uploaded on the AP class for free to try out.

McKinley and Imperialism

  • President McKinley played a significant role in the push towards American imperialism.

Spanish-American War and Cuba

  • Cuba was at the heart of the Spanish-American War.
  • Cubans had been fighting for their independence.
  • Yellow journalists sensationalized the events to sell papers.
  • Hearst and Pulitzer were media tycoons who played a significant role.
  • President McKinley sent the USS Maine to Havana Harbor, Cuba, to protect American lives and property.
  • The sinking of the Maine was attributed to the Spanish by yellow journalists, leading to increased tensions.

Amendments

  • Two amendments came out during this time period
  • The Teller Amendment to the war declaration stated that the US had no interest in annexation.
  • The Platt Amendment, however, limited Cuban sovereignty, allowing US intervention and control.

The Philippines

  • The US wanted control of the Philippines for trade, markets, military bases, and naval bases.
  • Filipinos expected independence but instead faced a new landlord in the US.
  • A massive civil war broke out as a result.
  • William Howard Taft became the first territorial governor of the Philippines and attempted to assimilate the population.

Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders

  • Theodore Roosevelt, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, led the Rough Riders.
  • The yellow journalists exaggerated their exploits at San Juan Hill, creating a heroic image of Roosevelt.
  • This boosted Roosevelt's reputation. Which helped him rise to the presidency influencing conservation, trust-busting, and progressivism.

Significance of the Spanish-American War

  • The Spanish-American War lasted only 16 weeks and resulted in the US acquiring the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico for 20,000,00020,000,000.
  • Cuba gained limited independence.
  • The war demonstrated that the US had arrived on the world stage.

Limited Cuban Independence (Platt Amendment)

  • No treaties without US permission.
  • No borrowing money or going into debt without US permission.
  • The US gets to intervene whenever it wants.
  • The US gets to build and control Guantanamo Bay (still in effect today).
  • Relations with Cuba have been strained over the years, with limited improvement under various administrations.

War Casualties

  • Few Americans died in combat during the Spanish-American War.
  • Most deaths were due to disease, similar to the Korean and Mexican-American Wars.