US Lands of Influence Notes

US Lands of Influence

Alaska

• When Acquired: 1867
• How Acquired: Seward bought it from Russia
• Relationship to the US: Territory
• Why the US Tried to Control Affairs: N/A
• Laws/Policies Affecting Relationship: N/A
• Violent Events Affecting Relationship: N/A

Hawaii

• When Acquired: 1893
• How Acquired: Planned to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy, but Queen Liliokalani stepped down
• Relationship to the US: Similar to a colony
• Why the US Tried to Control Affairs: To maintain US business interests
• Laws/Policies Affecting Relationship: McKinley Tariff
• Violent Events Affecting Relationship: Revolution that overthrew the monarchy

Puerto Rico

• When Acquired: 1898
• How Acquired: Given to the US at the end of the Spanish-American War (SPAM)
• Relationship to the US: Similar to colony
• Why the US Tried to Control Affairs: Location of strategic importance to the US
• Laws/Policies Affecting Relationship: Foraker Act, imperialist policies
• Violent Events Affecting Relationship: SPAM

Cuba

• When Acquired: 1898
• How Acquired: US helped it gain independence
• Relationship to the US: Similar to colony
• Why the US Tried to Control Affairs: Protect American business
• Laws/Policies Affecting Relationship: Platt Amendment, imperialist policies
• Violent Events Affecting Relationship: SPAM

The Philippines

• When Acquired: 1898
• How Acquired: Sold to the US
• Relationship to the US: Trading partner
• Why the US Tried to Control Affairs: Provide US with raw materials and new markets
• Laws/Policies Affecting Relationship: Imperialist policies
• Violent Events Affecting Relationship: SPAM, Philippine – American War

China

• When Acquired: 1900
• How Acquired: Not acquired, US was a sphere of influence
• Relationship to the US: Trading partner
• Why the US Tried to Control Affairs: Establish and protect new markets
• Laws/Policies Affecting Relationship: Open Door Policy, imperialist policies
• Violent Events Affecting Relationship: Boxer Rebellion