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Imperialism. Imperialism is…. The policy of establishing colonies and building empires. Definition of Imperialism. A policy by a stronger nation (such as the USA) to create an empire by dominating weaker nations economically, politically, culturally, or militarily.
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Imperialism is… • The policy of establishing colonies and building empires.
Definition of Imperialism • A policy by a stronger nation (such as the USA) to create an empire by dominating weaker nations economically, politically, culturally, or militarily.
Why did Imperialism Develop? • Economic factors • Political or Nationalistic factors • Humanitarian or Cultural factors • Military factors
Economic Factors • Manufacturing nations need more natural resources and more markets.
Political or Nationalistic Factors • Nationalism - a belief that one’s nations goals are superior to those of other nations
Humanitarian or Cultural Factors • Spreading Western ideas and Christianity. It was their duty to spread the blessings of Western civilization across the globe.
Military Factors • Growing navies need new naval bases worldwide.
Early American Imperialism • Using the idea of Manifest Destiny, Alaska was purchased in 1867. • The Midway Islands were annexed (joined to the USA) in 1867.
Alaska is purchased in 1867 • Secretary of State William H. Seward agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. (that’s only about 2 cents an acre!) • At the time, critics thought Seward was crazy and called the deal "Seward's folly."
Was it worth it?? • Discoveries of gold were made there in the 1880s and 1890s. • These discoveries brought attention and people to Alaska. • Today, petroleum transported across the state through a pipeline is Alaska's richest mineral resource.
Imperialism Presidents William McKinley • Republican • Starts US Imperialism • Reaffirmed Monroe Doctrine
Hawaii – 1891 Queen Liliuokalani takes throne & against trade w/ US 1893 – Marines led by Sanford Dole overthrow Queen Dole made governor – asks for annexation to the US Other Pacific Property
How did America become Involved in Imperialism?, cont. • The Hawaiian Queen is removed from power by American military force under pressure from businessmen (including Sanford Dole – the pineapple guy…) • Hawaii is annexed in 1898.
Other Pacific Property. • Japan - Trade relations are established in 1854 by Commodore Matthew Perry and a very young U.S. Navy
Samoa – US, GB, & Germany fighting over harbor @ Pago Pago Over time US would gain complete control Other Pacific Property
China – divided up among European countries These “spheres of influence” limited trade between the U.S. and China Other Pacific Property
Open Door Policy • In the fall of 1898, President McKinley and Secretary of State John Hay force an "open door" policy on the nations that control China. • The policy would allow all trading nations access to the Chinese markets.
Civil War in Cuba • By 1895, Spain had only a few colonial possessions left including the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Cuba In 1895 civil war broke out in Cuba between Spain and Cuban rebels.
Setting the Stage for War • In competition for readership, two New York newspapers wrote exaggerated stories about the Cuban rebellion. • This yellow journalism sold a lot of papers but had other effects as well: • It whipped up American public opinion in favor of the Cuban rebels! The Yellow Kid
Setting the Stage for War • William Randolph Hearst • Owner of New York Journal
Setting the Stage for War • Joseph Pulitzer • Owner of the New York World
Printed under a headline that read: Cuban Babes Prey to Famine Thousands of Children Perishing in Island Towns Sights that Sicken Strong Men
The New York Journal reports "...blood on the roadsides, blood in the villages, blood, blood, blood!" When William Randolph Hearst sent a reporter to cover the rumored war, he cabled back that there was no war going on. Hearst wired back: “Please remain. You supply the pictures, and I'll supply the war.”
To get the attention of the U.S. government – Cuban Rebels burn plantations owned by U.S. businessmen. The U.S. Battleship Maine is sent to protect U.S. citizens and as a warning message to Spain!
DeLome Letter written to Sp. Foreign Minister “…it shows once more what McKinley is, weakand a bidder for the admiration of the crowd, besides being a would-be politician who tries to leave the door open behindhimself while keeping on good terms with the jingoes of his party.” DeLome – The Spanish Ambassador to the U.S.
DeLome Letter • DeLome the Spanish Ambassador in the US sends letter back to Spain calling McKinley weak. Newspapers publish and challenge McKinley to respond.
Uh-Oh . . . on February 9, 1898 • New York Journal owner William Randolph Hearst published the letter under the headline, "The Worst Insult to the United States in Its History." • Six days later comes the final straw!
USS Maine EXPLODES! Over 250 Sailors Killed! Spanish-American War
Spanish-American War • April 11, 1898 – McKinley asks Congress to declare war • May 1st, 1898 – First attack was @ Philippines Dewey sank entire Spanish Pacific Fleet
Spanish-American War • Admiral Dewey joined forces w/ Filipino rebels led by Emilio Aguinaldo • Aug. Spanish troops surrender to US
May 1st, 1898 – Second attack was surrounding Spanish Atlantic Fleet @ Santiago Harbor Spanish-American War