America Claims an Empire

1. America Claims an Empire American Imperialism During the 18th and 19th Centuries

2. Causes of American Imperialism • Throughout 18th and 19th centuries, US moved across North America • It was the US’ Manifest Destiny, phrase coined by John O’Sullivan to conquer the continent • By 1890’s, according to Frederick Jackson Turner, American frontier is closed. • Now What?

5. Four Causes of US Imperialism • Culture • Europeans colonized for centuries and US needed to compete • Spread Christian and Capitalist ways • Military • Expansion showed power of US military • Allowed greater protection of shipping lanes and territories.

7. Four Causes of US Imperialism • Economics • Improved technology increased need of new markets/materials for US industry and agriculture • Needed raw materials to supply US factories • Needed new markets to sell US products • Politics • Politicians needed to satisfy major political contributors • Politicians needed to reinforce superior American identity

9. Annexation of Hawaii and Alaska • Alaska was US interest since early 1800’s • As Americans moved there to mine, fish, and lumber, came into direct competition with Russia who had been there since 1700’s • By middle of 1800’s, Russia couldn’t afford to expand in Alaska due to Crimean War, agreed to sell Alaska to US for $7.2 million in 1867 • Originally seen as terrible purchase • Seward’s Folly • Seward’s Ice Chest

11. Annexation of Hawaii and Alaska • The US became interested in Hawaii at end of 1700’s because it was great for refueling on way to Asia • During 1800’s, US missionaries went there to spread Christianity • Later people moved there for Sugar plantations • Bayonet Constitution, 1887, American sugar planters militarily forced Hawaiian king to limit voting rights to only white land owners • Pearl Harbor becomes US Naval Base • McKinley Tariff of 1890 officially claims annexation.

12. Annexation of Hawaii and Alaska • King Kalakua, who accepted the Bayonet Constitution, died in 1891 and was replaced by his sister, Queen Liliuokalani • “Queen Lil” sought to restore control of their lands back to the native peoples including their voting rights. • White landowners in Hawaii organized a rebellion with US Marines-President Cleveland was unaware of this. • Sanford Dole became President of Hawaii until the US annexed the islands at the start of the Spanish American War.

14. Spanish- American War • Cuba always an interest of US, especially during slavery period. • When Cubans revolt against Spain at end of 1800’s, many Americans were sympathetic to their fight for freedom • 1895 revolt, launched by Jose Marti, threatened US trade interest, splitting support amongst Americans • Support business interests or support efforts for freedom?

15. Spanish- American War • Spain sends Valerio Weyler, to put down the revolt, in Cuba, resulting in thousands dying. • William Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer exaggerated what happened to start a war-and sell newspapers-Yellow Journalism. • NY Journal vs. NY World • De Lome Letter: secret letter criticizing President McKinley was published, angered Americans • USS Maine-sent to Havana, Cuba to protect Americans and US property, “blown up” by Spain on February 11, 1898.

22. Spanish-American War • June 1898, US lands at Santiago with poorly trained volunteer soldiers and inadequate equipment. • Rough Riders led by Teddy Roosevelt land • July 1, 1898, battles of Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill drive Spanish out of Cuba and into waiting US Naval blockade. • July 25, US invades Puerto Rico and took possession of that island too • Spanish-American War only lasted 16 weeks of fighting.

24. Spanish-American War • “Splendid Little War” • April 20, 1898, Pres. McKinley finally asked congress to declare war; 10 days later, Commodore George Dewey sails into Manila, Philippines • Spain surrendered by August 1898; however, US and Filipinos didn’t know they’d lock into a conflict for another four years. • Naval blockade of Cuba allowed US to trap Spanish in Caribbean

25. Spanish-American War • Treaty of Paris, 1898 • Spain gave: • Cuba their independence • Gave Guam and Puerto Rico to the US • Sold Philippines to US for $20 million • Allowed US to add to its empire, but, not everyone was happy. • Anti-Imperialist League- Formed to stop American expansion

26. Acquiring New Lands • Puerto Rico • Was to gain protection and freedom for natives, but, was too important in keeping presence in Caribbean and protecting pending canal • Foraker Act set up democratic government, but President picks governor and Upper House, Puerto Ricans elect lower house. • 1917, Puerto Ricans given US citizenship and allowed to elect both houses.

27. Acquiring New Lands • Cuba • Teller Amendment: declared US uninterested in acquiring Cuba, but US wanted hand in organization and to protect economic interests. • Plat Amendment: required to be added to Cuban constitution • No Treaties that weaken Cuba’s freedom • US could intervene in Cuba • US could buy/lease naval bases • Cuba remained protectorate until 1931

29. Acquiring New Lands • The Philippines • Following the war, US involved with armed conflict with Filipinos upset with American annexation • Philippines offered extraordinary access to Chinese resources and markets • Abundant resources on island • Filipinos, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, rebelled against US for almost 3 years costing 4,000 lives and $400 million dollars • Philippines given independence in 1946.

30. Acquiring New Lands • China • Philippines open door to China, but US behind in influence • Europeans expanded influence following Taiping Rebellion. US sought Open Door Policy. • Some Chinese wanted all foreign influence out of China. • US helped China with this rebellion

32. America Influences the World • Teddy Roosevelt assumed presidency in 1901 after William McKinley is assassinated by Leon Czlogloz. • TR refused to allow Europe to control economic/political future of world. • Negotiated peace with Japan and Russia during the Russo-Japanese War. • Secured building of Panama Canal since British and French couldn’t do it. • British gave US responsibility for canal, US bought France’s claim in Panama.

33. Panama Canal • The US failed to secure permission from Colombia for canal, aided Panamanian rebellion • In return, Panama received $10 million with $250,000 annual rent • Taking almost ten years to build, cost US $380 million- just for construction-and 5,600 lives • US “involvement” with the canal and Panamanian rebellion ruined American reputation in Latin America.

35. America Influences the World • During TR’s presidency, US became more involved in Latin America. • Many Latin American countries were in debt with European countries and worried US • Added to Monroe Doctrine which prohibited Europe from meddling in Latin America • Roosevelt Corollary: US would militarily protect Latin American financial interests. • When William Taft became president, he followed suit with Dollar Diplomacy • US will financially support Latin American countries

37. America Influences the World • Woodrow Wilson added moral tone to US foreign policy during his presidency • Missionary Diplomacy: US denied recognition to Latin American countries viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to US interests • Mexico was major test: • Constant government change led to murderous coup d'état. • Francisco “Poncho” Villa and Emiliano Zapata, responsible for killing Americans in 1916, Mexican gov’t. • Wilson sent John Pershing to capture Villa, war avoided because of World War I.