Imperialism 1867-1908

1. Imperialism1867-1908 Speak softly and carry a big stick - West African proverb

2. Voices from the Past: “The Chinese and Japanese are not bona fide citizens. They are not the stuff of which American citizens can be made…[Since] they will not assimilate with us and their social life is so different from ours, let them keep at a respectful distance.” • James Phelan • Mayor of San Francisco • How does the Mayor define a “bona fide citizen”? • What evidence of racism can you find in his remarks? • How would you define a “bona fide citizen”?

3. Imperialism • Objectives for today: 1. Discuss the emergence of the U.S. from isolationism (22-1). 2. List the events that led to the U.S.’ involvement in the Spanish-American War (22-2). 3. Discuss the constitutional difficulties involved in colonization (22-3). 4. Give examples of Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” diplomacy (22-4). • Text: Chapter 22 • Quiz: Monday, 2/4/08

4. Imperialism • Review • Imperialism: 1867-1908 • Prior to this time, the U.S. was isolationist in its foreign policy • Isolationism: separation from the politics of foreign countries.

5. Emergence • Who Said It? • “Avoid entangling alliances.” • George Washington • “The independent nations of the Americas are henceforth not to be subjects for further colonization by any European powers.” • James Monroe • “Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” • The Declaration of Independence

6. Isolationism to Imperialism • Why did the U.S. go from separation to empire-building? • 1. Other powerful nations were – Germany, France, Belgium, Portugal and Japan. • 2. The temptation was strong – Alaska, Hawaii, Cuba and the Philippines. • 3. Some Americans felt their country had an obligation to civilize the world.

7. Buying Alaska • Purchased from Russia in 1867 by Secretary of State William Seward. • Price: $7.2 million, or 2 cents an acre.

8. The Spanish-American War • Drawn Into War • Cuba struggled for freedom from Spain. • 1/8 of the Cuban population died in reconcentration camps. • U.S. had 3 reasons to get involved: • 1. To prevent “the useless sacrifice of human life” (President Cleveland). • 2. American investment in Cuba - $30 million, mostly in sugar plantations. • 3. A prime opportunity to expand the territories of the U.S.

9. Neutrality • The refusal to take sides in international conflict. • Presidents Cleveland and McKinley both committed not to intervene. • Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt wanted action. • “Yellow Journalism” fanned the flames of American anger. • Reporter: “No combat to report, sir.” • Hearst: “You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war.”

10. Joseph Pulitzer William Randolph Hearst

12. The Spanish-American War • Outcome • The U.S. wins handily in both Cuba and the Philippines, thanks to a superior navy. • This takes less than a year. • “A splendid little war”

13. . • Questions and responsibilities: • The Philippines? Another war for independence • Puerto Rico? Commonwealth of the U.S. • Cuba? Pledged to have independence • Guam? Unincorporated territory of the U.S. • Hawaii? Annexed as the 50th state

14. Notion of Superiority • Clergyman Josiah Strong: • “This powerful race will move down upon Mexico, down upon Central and South America, out upon the islands of the sea, over upon Africa and beyond. Can any one doubt that the result of this competition of races will be the ‘survival of the fittest’?” • Our Country

15. Constitutional Difficulties • Can a country that fought colonialism for independence have colonies itself? • Puerto Rico • Does the Constitution follow the flag? • Tariff duties on goods carried from colonies? • Civil rights for all people of new colonies? • How does the U.S. justify its opposition to an independence movement? • The Philippines

16. The Big Stick • Theodore Roosevelt • Becomes President after McKinley is shot after reelection. • Youngest President to serve (age 42). • First American to win the Nobel Peace Prize (for negotiating an end to war between Russia and Japan). • He was determined to make the U.S. great world power.

19. Panama Canal

20. Colombia • With other European competitors out of the way, the U.S. decided to proceed with their plans for a canal through Central America in 1903. • U.S. offer: $10 mil and $250K per year. • Colombia rejects the offer. • The U.S. backs a Panamanian revolt, and immediately recognizes Panama’s independence.

21. The “Open Door” • The U.S. was late in exploiting Chinese trade. • They pushed for equal trade opportunities with other European nations. • Leads to the Boxer Rebellion.

25. Russo-Japanese Relations • Japan annexes Korea and Formosa (Taiwan). • They also defeat Russia easily in a war over colonial territory. • Japan emerges as the dominant force in Asia, and a new era of rivalry with the U.S. develops. • Roosevelt brokers the peace between Japan and Russia, and wins the Nobel Peace prize for his efforts.

26. Classwork • American Intervention • Identify 1 example of U.S. intervention in the world today. • San Francisco Chronicle – Front Page • 1. What is the issue? • 2. How is the U.S. involved? • 3. Why did the U.S. get involved? • 4. What is the general sentiment in America (or internationally) concerning this involvement? • 1 page, typed