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 20,000,000.
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.