Chapter 16-18 Notes

  • Black people were making a proper living after the civil war, but white people didn’t like that

  • Redeemers - Merchants, planters, and businessmen in the south, took power in 1877.

    • Heavily segregated towards african americans, claimed they had “redeemed the south of all corrupt black rule”

    • Their policies:

      • Wanted to reverse reconstruction

      • Reverse african american education

      • Wanted to focus on cut reducing taxes, public spending, and cut back on education

      • Set up new laws where you could be arrested for being unemployed

      • Jailing people for petty crimes

        • Most people in jail were black, redeemers came up with a system where they would rent out prisoners to miner and railroad companies, ultimately exploiting prisoners for the company’s gain.

  • Small exodus to kansas of African Americans because they wanted to flee the segregated and non opportunistic south

    • In 1900, blacks in the south owned a smaller percentage of land then what they owned in the 1870s (disenfranchisement)

  • Chineese Exclusion act

    • Act that restricted immigration from China and denied citizenship to Chinese immigrants, reflecting the racial prejudices and economic fears of the time. The act exemplified the growing nativist sentiments in the United States, as it aimed to preserve jobs for American workers by limiting the influx of Chinese labor.

    • Chineese werent allowed to return for a long time.

2/3 Notes

Historical Context of American Expansionism

  • Post-Civil War Expansion

    • After the Civil War, the U.S. primarily expanded by acquiring Alaska (1867) and Hawaii (1898).

    • The era reflects a continued trend of territorial acquisition.

  • Connections to Modern Policies

    • Comparisons are drawn between the policies during McKinley's presidency and Trump’s administration.

    • Trump refers to his term as a "golden age" in contrast to the "Gilded Age," with both periods characterized by expansionist policies and wealth concentration.

Tariffs and Economic Policy

  • Current Tariff Policies

    • Recently imposed tariffs include 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China.

    • Historical parallel: Similar tariffs were enacted in the late 1800s to protect U.S. manufacturing.

  • Impact of Tariffs

    • Economists warn that current tariffs will increase prices for consumers and businesses reliant on international parts.

    • This modern scenario complicates American manufacturing, as many components are sourced globally, unlike in the past when the U.S. manufactured domestically.

Similarities to Previous Eras

  • Robber Barons and Modern Capitalists

    • Notable figures of the Gilded Age included Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Carnegie; today’s wealth is concentrated in tech leaders like Zuckerberg and Musk.

  • Imperialism and Expansionism

    • The concept of new imperialism that led to the acquisition of territories like Alaska and Hawaii was present then as it is in modern discussions about U.S. territorial interests.

Hawaii's Annexation

  • Cultural Aspects

    • Emphasis on pronouncing "Hawaii" correctly; cultural sensitivity to the indigenous identity.

    • Queen Liliuokalani, the last queen of Hawaii, symbolizes Hawaiian resistance to annexation by the U.S.

  • Historical Narrative

    • Hawaiians did not universally welcome annexation; there are stories related to agriculture and economic interests (e.g., pineapple, coffee).

The Role of Media in Imperialism

  • Yellow Press

    • The yellow press, characterized by sensationalism, spurred patriotic sentiment and promoted expansionist ideas, tying them to American excellence.

    • Newspapers as primary sources reveal societal beliefs and popular movements of the time.

Teddy Roosevelt and The Rough Riders

  • Personality and Significance

    • Roosevelt, noted for his childhood ailments, gained fame as a war leader during the Spanish-American War through the Rough Riders.

    • Introduced major conservation efforts leading to the establishment of national parks—a significant legacy.

Spanish-American War

  • War Origins and Outcomes

    • The U.S. intervened in the war to assist Cuba in gaining independence from Spain, thus signaling a shift towards American imperialism.

    • Following the war, the U.S. gained territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

  • Ideological Context

    • The idea of a "Splendid Little War" was promoted—a convenient narrative positing the U.S. as a benevolent liberator.

American Imperialism and the Philippine Conflict

  • Acquisition of Territories

    • Post-war, Americans aimed to expand their overseas empire, resulting in annexation efforts in the Philippines and deeper Pacific involvement.

  • The White Man's Burden

    • Proposed by Rudyard Kipling, this concept justified imperialism through racist ideologies asserting that it was the U.S.'s duty to civilize other nations.

The Jungle and Progressivism

  • Upton Sinclair's Impact

    • Sinclair’s book "The Jungle" exposed the brutal realities of the meatpacking industry and led to significant reforms such as the Meat Inspection Act of 1906.

  • The Role of Muckrakers

    • Muckrakers and reform-minded journalists played a crucial role in highlighting social issues and advocating for change, embodying the Progressive movement's goals.

Conclusion: Historical Reflections

  • Connections Between Eras

    • The lecture connects past imperialist policies to modern socio-political issues, emphasizing how history often repeats itself in themes of nationalism and economic strategy.

  • Implications for Society

    • Understanding these parallels helps illuminate ongoing discussions about trade, tariffs, and America's role on the global stage.