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American Imperialism. Trying to stretch our power around the world. The Spanish-American War The Beginnings. America using Manifest Destiny of Monroe Doctrine to try and take control of Caribbean from European nations (Spain)
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American Imperialism Trying to stretch our power around the world
The Spanish-American WarThe Beginnings • America using Manifest Destiny of Monroe Doctrine to try and take control of Caribbean from European nations (Spain) • During a Cuban revolution attempt, the US sent the USS Maine, which was destroyed • Spanish blamed in NY papers, in a strategy called: yellow journalism
War was fought on two different fronts/arenas: Cuba and the Philippines • US demanded Cuba’s independence, but Spain refuses and war begins April 25, 1898
War in the Philippines • Was home to a Spanish naval base from which any help to Cuba would come from • Allied with the Philippine rebel Emilio Aguinaldo • Teddy R. gave orders for Commodore Dewey to attack on word of war • He was the Naval Secretary at this time • May 1, 1898, Dewey attacked at Manila Bay and defeats Spain easily. • Aguinaldo and his men surrounded the capital city
War in Cuba • Teller Amendment: If Cuba declared free, the US would protect them until they were strong enough to rule themselves • Very similar to Iraq today. • Victory in Cuba much tougher, troops not well supplied • Rough Riders (cavalry unit led by T.R.) and buffalo soldiers (Af. Am cavalry unit) led the way to a US victory in Cuba
Cuba Cont… • Battle of San Juan Hill: defining battle where Teddy Roosevelt led both cavalry units to victory • Platt Amendment: Cuba could make no treaties with other countries and had to have a US Naval Base Buffalo Soldier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5FCdx7Dn0o
Consequences • US gained Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines for $20 Million • Cost the US 2,000 men and $250 Million to fight • Big Picture: US became an imperialistic nation. Used its military to gain control over lands for militaristic, economic, & idealistic reasons
Panama Canal • Teddy Roosevelt wanted to take control of Panama to make a canal to get from Pacific to Atlantic • Would be a massive project • Helped fund a revolution in Panama to be able to take the land
Building the Ditch • Horrible conditions: bad water, disease, extreme heat and a tough job. • Used dynamite to blow through mountains • Finished in 1914, and US owned the land until 2000