Imperialism

1. Imperialism Chapter 10 Pathfinder Fleet Library of Congress

2. Diplomacy after the Civil War • Little concern for foreign affairs. • Manifest Destiny—pushed an industrial nation across the continent. • Secretary of State William Seward’s purchase of Alaska in 1867 from Russia for $7.2 million (“Seward’s Folly) • Pacific island of Midway

3. Toward a New Imperialism • Imperialism in global context • The scramble for empire was well under way by the time the U.S. entered in the late 19th century. • By the late 19th century, the technology of arms and the networks of communication, transportation, and commerce brought the prospect of effective, truly global empires within much closer reach – a new age of imperialism (ex. Africa)

5. American Imperialism: Markets • The rapid industrial development of the U.S. (new places to export and access to raw materials) • The growth of industrial networks linked them to international markets as never before. • American companies were outgrowing the home market. As economic systems became more tightly knit and political systems more responsive to industrialists and financiers, a rush for markets in distant lands was unavoidable. European Expansion Worldwide

6. American Imperialism • Social Darwinism • Applied evolution to the social order. • Survival of the fittest. • Justified white supremacy and European and American expansion. • Religious motives and “the civilizing mission” • American Protestant missionaries sought to convert “heathen” unbelievers in faraway lands. • “The white man’s burden” – introducing civilization to the “colored” races of the world.

7. Expansion • In 1880, the U.S. still lacked the military might of an imperial power. • The U.S. Navy ranked 12th in the world, behind Denmark and Chile. • The U.S. could not protect its interests overseas. • The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1890) – by Alfred Thayer Mahan argued that national greatness and prosperity depended on sea power. U.S. needed a modern navy with steam-powered, steel-hulled ships that would need coaling stations and other re-supply facilities throughout the world • By 1900, the U.S. Navy ranked 3rd in the world. With a modern navy, the country had the means to become an imperial power

8. Pacific Islands • U.S. took the port of Pago Pago in the strategically located islands of Samoa in 1878 • The crucial link to extending trade across the Pacific to China was Hawaii • Island settled about 2,000 years earlier by people from Polynesian Islands. By 1840s, American merchants and missionaries dominated • Boom in sugarcane growing resulted from trade agreement with U.S. • By the 1880s, U.S. was in virtual control with base at Pearl Harbor • Queen Liliuokalani ascended to throne and tried to limit foreign influence, Americans staged revolution and proclaimed Republic of Hawaii • Hawaii annexed in 1898

9. The Spanish American War • Rebellion broke out in Cuba in 1895 seeking independence from Spain. • Yellow journalism whipped the American public into a hostile frenzy. • De Lôme letter – Spanish minister in Washington sent this letter to friend in Cuba; called McKinley a “would-be politician” and said that Spain had no intention of changing its policy –“Worst Insult to the United States in its History.”

10. The SpanishAmerican War • The battleship Maineexploded in Havana harbor in 1898 killing 260 American sailors. • Spain announced unilateral ceasefire. • U.S. declared war on Spain. • Congress declared Cuba independent. • Teller Amendment said America did not want Cuban territory.

11. Campaigns • Manila • Naval battles determined the outcome of the war. • Admiral Dewey destroyed the Spanish ships in Manila Bay, Philippines. • Cuba • U.S. Navy destroyed Spanish fleet in Cuba. • T.R.’s “Rough Riders” won the battle of San Juan Hill.

12. Results • 5,462 Americans died (379 in battle) Most killed by malaria, typhoid, dysentery, or yellow fever • Wool uniforms and diseased, rotten, or poisoned rations. • War ended less than 4 months after it started: • Cuba was given independence. • U.S. annexed Puerto Rico and Guam, occupied the Philippines for $20 million (Also annexed Hawaii and Wake Island) It would take another 5,000 casualties to subdue Philippines.

15. China:The Open Door Policy • Following the Sino-Japanese War, China attracted the great powers in a scramble for control. • Open Door Policy outlined by Secretary of State John Hay urged major powers to keep trade open to all countries on an equal basis. • Open Door Policy threatened by the Boxer Rebellion • When Chinese nationalists laid siege to foreign embassies in Peking (Beijing), multinational force went in to stop uprising. • America urged other countries to “preserve Chinese territorial and administrative integrity” – • New American empire would have its share of colonies, but in Asia as elsewhere it would be built primarily on trade.

16. Rise of TR • Election of 1900 • William Jennings Bryan (Dem) vs. McKinley/TR (Rep) • Republicans win on pro-imperialist platform • Assassination of McKinley in Sep, 1901 made TR president. At 42, TR was youngest president.

17. Roosevelt’sForeign Policy • “Speak softly and carry a big stick” • The Panama Canal • Colombian province of Panama, with American aid, claimed independence and got canal contract from United States. • America built the canal, opening in 1914. • The Roosevelt Corollary • In response to an economic crisis in the Dominican Republic, Roosevelt announced his Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine—the United States could intervene in its neighbors’ affairs to prevent foreign intervention. • Would later become the basis for military intervention.