American Imperialism
Political Cartoon Analysis
Title of the cartoon: "School Begins".
Depiction of individuals with name tags:
Front row: Philippines, Cuba, Hawaii, Puerto Rico.
Background: Indigenous peoples, a Black American washing windows, and an Asian individual looking into the classroom.
Visual Contrast:
In the background, white Americans are depicted as "civilized" (sitting straight, reading books).
In the foreground, individuals (representing colonies) appear slouched, hands in pockets, and lacking civility.
Backdrop Elements:
Chalkboard reading "colonialism" and "imperialism."
Purpose of the Cartoon: Illustrates American sentiments towards imperialism during the era.
Key Topics on American Imperialism
Foreshadowing Motivations of Expansion:
Questions addressed:
What motivated American international expansion in the late 19th and 20th centuries?
Who were the American "prophets" of the 1890s?
How did industrialization change American warfare?
Development of the American Military:
Significance of understanding military history to grasp American history.
Major wars studied include the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War.
Teddy Roosevelt and Diplomacies:
Big Stick Diplomacy.
Dollar Diplomacy.
Historical Context of American Imperialism
Western Expansion:
Continued even during the Civil War, fueled by the idea of Manifest Destiny.
Manifest Destiny:
The notion that America was destined to expand across North America, resulting in the forcible removal and destruction of indigenous communities.
Map Analysis:
Military posts, tribes, and battles of the Indian Wars (1860-1890) illustrate resistance.
Visual Representation of Manifest Destiny:
Image contrasts civilization (railroads, telegraph) against indigenous peoples and buffalo.
Factors Motivating Imperialism
Economic Factors:
The growth of corporate capitalism is influencing global markets.
Desire for overseas export markets to capitalize on world profits.
Racial Superiority:
Belief in white superiority underpins expansionist ideologies, often couched in eugenics.
Masculinity Issues Post-Civil War:
Economic struggles are leading to a perceived need for a militarized approach to re-establish American masculinity and societal vigor.
Shift in American Attitudes Towards Colonialism:
Initial American reluctance to participate in colonialism, but later advocated for moral and civilizing missions abroad.
Imperial Motivations and International Context
White Man's Burden:
Concept of American moral duty to "civilize" those perceived as uncivilized, illustrated by a political cartoon featuring Uncle Sam.
Strategic Issues:
America, as a two-ocean power, prompted concerns about port locations and naval defense.
Strategic alliances with Great Britain were formed to strengthen naval capabilities.
Panama Canal and Caribbean Dominance:
The need for a strategic route to enhance military movement and trade.
Challenges & Weaknesses in the American Military during Expansion
Weak Navy Post-Civil War:
From 650-700 ships in 1865 to just 38 by 1885, indicating a serious decline.
Quotations on Naval Development:
Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Tracy (1890): Importance of a robust navy.
President Benjamin Harrison (1891): Need for a substantial naval presence for commerce and defense.
Influential Figures or "Prophets":
Alfred Thayer Mahan: "Influence of Sea Power Upon History."
Frederick Turner: "Significance of the Frontier in American History."
Rudyard Kipling: "White Man's Burden."
Navy Growth:
The shift from 38 ships in 1885 to 160 by 1898 highlights rapid naval expansion due to industrialization.
Innovation in Naval Warfare
Technological Evolution:
Transition from older wooden ships to larger steam-powered metal vessels.
Example Comparison:
1860 Warship: 3,200 tons, 275 ft long, 40 guns.
USS Indiana (1898): 27,000 tons, 21 knots, 10 main guns.
Technological Limitations:
New ships had fewer guns, and older ships became obsolete rapidly due to advancements in technology.
Spanish-American War & its Aftermath
Cuban War for Independence:
The Cuban Revolution against Spain led to U.S. intervention.
Role of Yellow Journalism:
Exaggerated media narratives framing the U.S. motivations for war are influencing public opinion.
Outcomes:
U.S. victory but highlighted significant military shortcomings, such as disease and leadership issues.
Acquired Territories:
Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the recognition of the U.S. occupation of the Philippines.
Lessons Learned:
Need for advancements in naval technology and military strategy, resulting in shifts towards more reputable military practices.
Philippine-American War and Strategic Interests
Insurgency Warfare:
Military tactics adapted from fighting Indigenous Americans, emphasizing guerrilla warfare.
Importance of the Philippines:
Viewed as a gateway to Chinese markets for American goods, further emphasizing economic motivations.
Societal Reactions:
Discontent towards military conduct during the conflict.
Reforms and Professionalization in the Military
Root & Roosevelt Reforms:
Professionalization was to ensure that military personnel were better educated.
Incorporation of physical fitness into military training.
Emory Upton's Contributions:
"The Military Policy of the United States" becomes a critical handbook for U.S. military administrators.
Political Landscape and Roosevelt's Diplomacy
Teddy Roosevelt's Policies:
Advocated for a powerful navy, known as "Big Stick Diplomacy," to protect American interests.
Enlarged the U.S. Navy and sought to enforce an international order favoring American dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
Growing Tensions with Japan:
Jostled for Pacific power, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Expansion of American Markets:
American interests pressing into Latin America and Asia caused international friction.
Taft's Dollar Diplomacy
In contrast to Roosevelt:
Favors economic influence over military force to extend American control.
Practical Applications:
Economic intervention in Nicaragua illustrates the complicated balance of diplomacy and military action.
Conclusion
American imperialism is driven by a mix of economic motivations, racial ideologies, military ambitions, and evolving global dynamics.
Significance of understanding this period in the context of upcoming major global conflicts, such as World War I.