Becoming a World Power (1865-1945)

Overview of the Era

• Timeframe: 1890-1945

  • Significant changes occurred in less than one lifetime for Americans from buggies to automobiles to airplanes.

  • Experienced two horrific wars (WWI and WWII) and the worst depression in American history (The Great Depression).

• Impacts of Industrialization:

  • Continued industrialization, urbanization, and immigration shaped society.

  • The role and size of the government expanded, especially at the federal level, to address economic challenges and global conflicts.

• Cultural and Social Conflicts:

  • Ongoing debates about the role of government, the relationship between science and religion, cultural diversity, and the rise of groups like the Ku Klux Klan.

• Foreign Policy Evolution:

  • Transition from noninvolvement to international leadership, marked by the uncertainty and reluctance of the American public.

Key Themes

Economic and Social Change

• Key Concept 7.1:

  • Economic growth led to increased opportunities while economic instability drove reform efforts in society and economics.

• Key Concept 7.2:

  • Innovations in communication and technology spurred the growth of mass culture and significant changes in migration patterns.

• Key Concept 7.3:

  • U.S. participation in global conflicts led to its emergence as an international power, affecting domestic debates on this role.

Dynamics of U.S. Foreign Policy (Post-Civil War)

Historical Context

• Shift in Foreign Policy:

  • Evolving from a focus on westward expansion to involvement in international affairs, especially after the Civil War.

  • John Quincy Adams' Monroe Doctrine and its implications.

• William H. Seward's Influence:

  • Advocated for U.S. expansion, including acquiring Alaska and preventing French intervention in Mexico post-Civil War.

The Purchase of Alaska

• Seward's Folly:

  • Initial public view of the Alaska purchase in 1867 as economically unviable, later recognized for its value.

New Imperialism

• Economic Motivations:

  • Desire for raw materials and markets for American products due to industrial growth.

  • Expansionism was seen as an extension of Manifest Destiny into the Caribbean and Pacific.

Cultural Rationales for Expansion

• International Darwinism:

  • Justification for imperialism based on survival of the fittest concepts, applied to nations.

• Role of Missionaries:

  • Viewed expansion as a duty to spread Christianity and "civilization" to less developed areas.

The Spanish-American War (1898)

Prelude to War

• Underlying Causes:

  • American nationalism and the desire to compete with European powers.

  • Growing public sentiment and jingoism calling for intervention in Cuba due to Spanish atrocities.

• Cuban Revolt:

  • Uprisings against Spanish rule led to U.S. involvement amidst humanitarian concerns.

Key Events Leading to War

• Yellow Journalism:

  • Sensational press coverage exaggerated Spanish misdeeds, inflaming public opinion.

• De Lome Letter:

  • Criticism of President McKinley sparked outrage and sentiment for war.

• Sinking of the USS Maine:

  • Explosion blamed on Spain, leading to McKinley urging Congress for intervention.

Outcomes of the War

Treaty of Paris (1898)

• Key Outcomes:

  1. U.S. recognized Cuban independence.

  2. U.S. acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines for $20 million.

• Imperialist Debate:

  • Controversy surrounding Philippine annexation; anti-imperialists argued against subjugation of another people.

Changes in U.S. Policy

• Insular Cases:

  • Supreme Court rulings determining that constitutional rights were not automatically extended to territories such as the Philippines.

• Platt Amendment (1901):

  • Limitations placed on Cuban sovereignty, allowing U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs.

Theodore Roosevelt and Progressive Reforms

Roosevelt's Presidency

• Commitment to Progressive Policies:

  • Square Deal philosophy emphasizing fairness and regulating big businesses.

• Trust-Busting:

  • Active in breaking up monopolies and regulating industries (e.g., Northern Securities Company, Standard Oil).

Key Policies

Social and Labor Reforms

• Muckrakers:

  • Investigative journalists exposed corruption, contributing to public demand for reforms.

• Consumer Protection Laws:

  • Response to Upton Sinclair's The Jungle led to the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act.

Conservation Efforts

• National Parks and Reserves:

  • Roosevelt's legacy includes significant conservation initiatives and the establishment of national parks.

Woodrow Wilson's Presidency and Progressive Policies

Legislative Achievements

• New Freedom Program:

  • Focused on tariff reduction, banking reforms, and business regulation.

• Major Acts:

  • Clayton Antitrust Act and Federal Trade Commission established to prevent unfair business practices.

• Income Tax:

  • The 16th Amendment allowed federal income tax, altering fiscal approach.

Racial Issues During the Progressive Era

• Neglect of African Americans:

  • Many Progressive reforms overlooked racial injustices and the needs of African Americans.

• Key Leaders:

  • Figureheads like W.E.B. Du Bois advocated for civil rights and opposed Booker T. Washington's economic focus.

Summary of Key Terms

• Imperialism: Expansion through acquisition of territories for strategic advantages.

• Yellow Journalism: Sensationalized news coverage that influenced public opinion.

• Muckrakers: Journalists who exposed social and political issues.

• Square Deal: Roosevelt's domestic program focused on consumer protection, labor rights, and conservation.

• New Freedom: Wilson's ideology aiming to reduce government intervention in the economy and reinforce free market principles.