Chapter 20

Chapter: An Emerging World Power (1890-1918)

Themes

• The transformation of the United States into a major world power from the late 19th to early 20th century.

• The workings of American imperialism as a response to international developments.

Key Events & Influences

Foundations of Empire

• William Jennings Bryan's Speech (1900): Criticized U.S. military occupations, speaking to a heart for liberty and the danger of imperialism.

• Expansionist Policies: President William McKinley favored overseas expansion, controlling the Caribbean, Hawaii, and the Philippines.

• Shift towards imperialism was rooted in the economic depression and fears of socialism in the 1890s.

The War of 1898

• Cuban Struggle for Independence: U.S. interests aligned with Cuban rebels; sensationalist journalism propelled public support for intervention.

• Sinking of USS Maine: Sparked national outrage leading to war declaration against Spain, symbolizing the emerging jingoism of the era.

• The war was characterized by the U.S. military's swift victories and resulted in annexations of several territories (Puerto Rico, Guam).

Post-War Developments

• Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Marked by brutal tactics and controversies over colonial governance, highlighting contradictions in American democratic values.

• Anti-Imperialist League: Formed in response to the U.S. occupation of the Philippines, illustrating dissent at home over imperial policies.

The Open Door Policy in Asia

• John Hay's Open Door Notes (1899): Sought equal trading rights for all nations in China amidst colonial competition.

• The Boxer Rebellion (1900) provided the U.S. with an opportunity to assert its influence in China, establishing its relevance in global politics.

World War I

From Neutrality to War

• Germany's Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: Forced the U.S. to reevaluate its position, leading to war declarations in 1917.

• Zimmermann Telegram: German proposal to Mexico to regain territories heightened U.S. involvement.

U.S. Home Front and Military Contributions

• Draft of 1917: Voluntary enlistment contrasted with the necessity of conscription, highlighting the growing power of the federal government.

• Economic Boom: War spurred economic activity as U.S. became a creditor nation, providing supplies to Allies.

The Treaty of Versailles and its Aftermath

• Wilson's Fourteen Points: Framework for peace aimed at promoting democracy and self-determination.

• Senate Rejection of Treaty: Linguistic clashes over Article X (collective security) led to historical debate surrounding U.S. foreign policy.

• Impact and Legacy: America withdrew from global commitments, despite being established as a world power, laying groundwork for future conflicts.

Political and Social Changes

Continued Debates on Foreign Policy

• McKinley, Bryan, and Wilson tenure differences: Varied public opinions on imperialism manifesting through elections and policy across their presidencies.

• Societal Transformation: The war led to mass migration (e.g., Great Migration), rising women's rights campaigns, reflecting national shifts in demographic and ideological landscapes.

Important Figures

• William McKinley: Advocated for aggressive expansion and imperial control.

• Theodore Roosevelt: Promulgated a strong naval presence and interventionist policies in foreign affairs.

• Woodrow Wilson: Introduced ideals of democracy and self-determination, faced criticism and opposition in pursuit of treaty ratification.

Summary

• Transition of the U.S. from isolationist to interventionist through imperialism and involvement in WWI shaped domestic and foreign policies, revealing tensions between American values and geopolitical interests.

Cracks in the U.S. Economy

1. Income Inequality: The wealth gap persists, with a small percentage of the population holding a disproportionate share of wealth, leading to economic disparities.

2. Labor Market Fluctuations: While unemployment rates may appear low, underemployment and wage stagnation impact many workers, highlighting a mismatch between job availability and quality.

3. National Debt: Rising national debt levels raise concerns about long-term economic sustainability and the ability of the government to fund essential services.

4. Dependence on Global Trade: Economic vulnerabilities are exposed through reliance on global supply chains and potential conflicts that disrupt trade relations.

5. Inflation Pressures: Fluctuating inflation rates affect purchasing power, potentially leading to decreased consumer spending and economic slowdown.