Historical Overview of American Expansionism and International Relations

  • Class Updates

    • Geography class discussion was offered but not pursued.
    • Reminder of the guest lecture on Thursday, October 10.
    • New location confirmed as room E202, holding up to 60 people, equipped with technology.
    • Corrections needed for notes regarding individuals' lifespans:
    • William Gorgias: 1858 - 1928
    • Goethals: 1833 - 1909

  • Historical Context: International Affairs & Spanish-American War

    • Focus shifts to U.S. territorial ambitions in Caribbean and Asia around 1898, coinciding with the Panama Canal project.
    • Joseph Pulitzer & William Randolph Hearst
    • Key figures in promoting yellow journalism, aimed at rallying public support for the war against Spain through sensationalized stories.
    • Pulitzer linked to The New York World known for dramatic articles, while Hearst's influence spread from the West Coast.
    • Yellow Journalism was pivotal in swaying public opinion toward the Spanish-American War.

  • The Spanish-American War (April 1898 - July 1898)

    • Triggered by the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor (February 1898), blamed on Spain despite lack of evidence.
    • Resulted in declarations of war and swift military action by the U.S. against Spain, incorporating Cuban and Puerto Rican territories.
    • War characterized as a 'splendid little war' due to its brief duration and relatively low American casualties.
    • Outcome and Territorial Gains:
    • Puerto Rico: Direct U.S. control post-war.
    • Cuba: U.S. protectorate, nominally independent.
    • Philippines: Acquired along with Guam, Wake, and Midway.
    • Established U.S. as a colonial power even as it sought to project an image of liberator.

  • U.S. – China Relations and the Boxer Rebellion (1900)

    • External pressures from Western nations led to the Opium Wars and significant domestic discontent in China.
    • The Boxer Rebellion represented an anti-imperialist response aimed at foreign nationals and influence in China.
    • The U.S. initially supported the Boxers but soon sided with imperial powers as violence escalated, leading to the Open Door Policy advocating equal trading rights.

  • Analysis of U.S. Global Role Post-1898

    • Shift from a nation of liberation to an imperial power, complicating international perceptions of American ideals, particularly in the context of freedom vs. colonialism.
    • Emergence of precedents for U.S. actions in global conflicts, setting tone for future foreign policy decisions, including involvement in World War I and the broader implications of its imperial role into the 20th century.

  • Congressional Discussions and Assignments

    • Review of essays on themes like industrialization, the progressive era, and the U.S. role in international affairs leading up to World War I.
    • Emphasis on different philosophical movements introduced in the U.S. during the late 1800s, including responses to inequality and radical philosophies influencing policy decisions.
    • Upcoming deadlines for readings and presentations established.