American Imperialism

1. American Imperialism

2. Preset: • Define foreign policy. • What is the general purpose of foreign policy for a nation? • Why is the United States currently involved in Afghanistan and Iraq? • Why does the United States maintain good relations with Israel and Saudi Arabia? • Define imperialism. • Is imperialism an example of foreign policy?

3. Imperialism • Creation of global empires through the establishment of colonies • Africa, SW Asia, South Asia, SE Asia – targeted regions by European powers • Global Empire = sign of Great Power • Created fierce competition among Great Powers to keep and defend and increase size of empire

6. Why US Imperialism? • Export markets –business interests • Farmers and industries sell surplus goods • Relieve unemployment • Source of raw materials for industry • Alfred T. Mahan – The Influence of Sea Power upon History • US needed strong navy to defend trade lanes • US needed naval bases in Caribbean & Pacific, and a canal to link the Atlantic & Pacific • US needed naval bases to act as coaling stations to project power

7. Areas of American Imperialism • Central America • Caribbean • Philippines • Hawaii • China

8. Hawaii • 1875 – protectorate of US – guaranteed Hawaiian independence, trade rights, Pearl Harbor • Sugar and Pineapple plantations • Sugar growers wanted US to annex to avoid tariffs

9. US business leaders (Sanford Dole) overthrew Queen Liliuokalani – opposed change to constitution that eliminated property clause for voting • Hawaii annexed in 1898

10. Spanish-American War (1898) • Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines – colonies of Spanish Empire • US – heavy investment in sugar in Cuba • US – wanted stable Cuba to protect investment, Caribbean, canal • US – supported revolutionary movement in Cuba – Jose Marti (Cuban journalist)

11. “Yellow journalism” – American newspapers wrote stories against Spanish government – concentration camps • USS Maine – US battleship exploded in Havana harbor – Spanish gov. blamed • WAR! • US defeated Spain

13. Results: • Cuba – protectorate of US – increased US investment • Guantanamo Bay – Caribbean naval base • Puerto Rico – annexed • Guam - annexed • Philippines – annexed for $20 million – became East Asian colony • Philipino insurrection against US led by Emilio Aguinaldo - US put down insurrection

14. Central America • Panama • US supported rebellion in Columbia for independent Panama (1903) • Why?– canal to link Atlantic and Pacific – trade and navy • Panama – republic – protectorate of US

15. Roosevelt Corollary (1904) • Gave greater strength to the Monroe Doctrine • “Big Stick” Diplomacy • Western Hemisphere = American sphere of influence – off limits to European intervention

16. US Empire

18. Question: Review the naval philosophy of Alfred Mahan. How did the imperialistic actions of the United States reflect the philosophy of Mahan?

19. China • 1899 – “Open Door Policy” – John Hay (Sec. of State) • China should be open to trade by all countries – no interference in spheres of influence • 1900 – US troops helped put down the “Boxer Rebellion”

20. 1900 – the Boxer Rebellion • Chinese nationalists (“the Boxers”) targeted missionaries and symbols of foreign intervention (RR, businesses) • Resented foreign influence and control of Chinese government • Ching dynasty lost Mandate of Heavan • Multinational force defeated “the Boxers” – protect foreign investment in China

21. Chinese govt. assessed a fine of 67.5 million pounds to cover damages to foreign investment • China remained under the control of western nations