H US Gov II-US Becomes World Power
1. What was going on in American at this specific time? 2. Why did America want to expand overseas? 3. Who was being impacted by America trying to expand? 4. Was it difficult for them to expand? Were people opposed to it, and did this result in chaos?
1. During this time period when America was and wanted to expand, things like the Spanish-American war happened, the USS Maine exploded, which resulted in conflicts between America and other countries, etc. Americas urge to expand took place because they wanted to grow economically and gain more control. 2. In America, they were eager to expand to new land. The US hoped to become an economic superpower and build a large empire. They wanted to do many different things such as secure new markets in other lands, etc. The US knew if they expanded they could benefit and improve every aspect of their country. 3. America expanding impacted other foreign countries and places such as Spain, Cuba, the Philippines, Latin America, etc. They were all involved in America expanding because the US may have wanted something from them or wanted to control them. 4. Other areas did oppose the expansion, such as the Philippines who were fighting for their independence but the US did not want to give it to them. When only America was benefiting from the other areas, they did not like how the US was trying to control them and they wanted to be their own nations; rather than under America's control.
Imperialism
A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force; Stronger nations attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nations. The late 1800s marked the peak of European imperialism, with much of Africa and Asia under foreign domination.
Was America Justified in Overseas Expansion?
America was justified in overseas expansion. Although they may have not had the best intentions in certain aspects of expanding, they did so in order to make the country the best they believed it could be. First: The US wanted a stronger economy, so they wanted to secure markets in other countries. They knew a growing successful economy would help the US and the citizens. Second: An expanded navy with bases around the world would protect U.S interests. By 1900, the US had one of the most powerful navies in the world. Third: When expanding into other areas such as Cuba, they gained valuable crops for their nation. Fourth: By annexing lands such as the Philippines, many were not happy because they did not have their independence. But the country at times did want what's best for neighboring areas. They did not believe they had any other choice, and also gaining these lands helped advance the US and make them a better country. Not justified: Greedy, had no right to look over other nations, other nations wanted independence just like they did, only looked out for themselves.
US and American Security
An expanded navy with bases around the world would protect U.S interests. By 1900, the US had one of the most powerful navies in the world.
Anti-Imperialists VS Pro-Imperialism
Anti- Moral & Political arguments made. Felt it was not right to reevaluate the idea that everyone regardless of race or or color was entitled to liberty. Racial arguments as well; such as if Filipinos were white they would have had their independence Pro- Were new frontier of Americans. Celebrated American traditions and spirit. Thought about practical advantages regarding economics, strategy, etc.
1890 and American expansion
By 1890, the US was eager to join the competition for new territory. Supporters of expansion denied that the US sought to annex foreign lands. (To annex is to join a new territory to an existing country) Yet annexation did take place.
Changes in America in the nineteenth century: Growth of Cities
By the 1890s the US had acquired massive lands to the west. These lands held resources that increased the country's wealth. US built up significant economic and political power. No longer could a hostile, lurking European country threatened American territory.
Outcomes of the Spanish American War: Puerto Rico
Did not become independent like Cuba United States kept a military government in the territory until 1900. Military helped with things like education, enforcing laws, etc. Foraker Act in 1900; the US removed its military control and created a civil government still under their control Over time Puerto Rico was given more and more freedom Granted American citizenship through the Jones Act (1917.) The constitution did not apply to territories though, so citizenship was only based on congress United States still had power to appoint key officials, Puerto Rico could elect local legislatures
Why did expansionists believe American needed to expand overseas?
Expansionists believed Americans needed to expand overseas in order to fuel economic growth, compete with other powerful European countries who had already expanded immensely, and to make the empire bigger so the country is safer and has more space for incoming citizens.
Outcomes of the Spanish American War: Philippines
Filipino rebels fought alongside America in the war against Spain expecting to gain independence Rebel leader declared the Philippines was a republic in 1899, and the US ignored him A three year war between the rebel forces and American soldiers took place. Thousands of American men died, but even more rebels died as well as civilians. Did not actually gain what they wanted (independence) until 1946
The Spanish American War
In 1898, a conflict between the United States and Spain, in which the U.S. supported the Cubans' fight for independence "A Splendid Little War" May 1st, 1898: The US launched a surprise attack in Manila Bay and destroyed Spain's' entire pacific fleet in seven hours July 1st, Roosevelt led the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill US does not lose many troops, many die from disease
Changes in America in the nineteenth century: International Trade
International trade became more and more important throughout the years, and given the advances in transportation and technology, American manufacturers were able to compete with European counterparts. It helped the American economy in many ways. For example: "The annual value of American exports passed the $1billion mark during the 1890s". And given the growth of American manufacturers, "big businesses gained more political power while small farmers were increasingly sidelined".
Outcomes of the Spanish American War: Spain
Lost the war to the US Gave up lands such as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific island of Guam to the US through the Treaty of Paris Spanish government recognized Cuba as independent Many ships were destroyed and many men died in the war
The Phillipines and Independence
McKinley saw his only option to annex the Philippines, while they thought they deserved to be their own nation just like US did against Britain.
US Gains in the Pacific: China
Political, Economic China had a large population and vast markers that made the country become important to American trade. Many countries were seeking areas of economic and political control (Spheres of Influence.) The United States made sure through the "Open Door Policy" they would have equal access to China's millions of people and consumers.
US Gains in the Pacific: Samoa
Political, Economic The US negotiated a treaty with Samoa offering protection in return for a lease on Samoa's fine harbor at Pago Pago (helped with trade; economic.) A year after America annexed Hawaii, they gained the harbor at Pago Pago. The United States wanted to gain control of Samoa and its territories so other countries such as Britain and Germany could not, and when they did it was a huge political win.
US Gains in the Pacific: Hawaii
Political, Economic, Military The United States was interested in having influence in Hawaii for economic benefits. The US and Hawaii had a trade treaty which allowed sugar to be sold free-duty in the US. Hawaii also leased Pearl Harbor to America for naval vessels (Military.) There was also an interest due to political reasons. The US helped remove a queen from power who was hurting Hawaii. The US helped spread democracy there.
Foreign Policy: Dollar Diplomacy
President: Dollar Diplomacy was issued by William Howard Taft Description: The Dollar Diplomacy was based on Taft's approaches. Taft wanted to maintain the open door to Asia and maintain stability in Latin America. He also wanted to maintain orderly societies abroad through increased American investment in foreign economies. (Investments to maintain stability and US interests) How & Where: Invested in China and Latin America; much less threatening compared to the Roosevelt Corollary. Was not very successful
Foreign Policy: Moral Diplomacy
President: Moral Diplomacy was issued by Woodrow Wilson Description: Moral Diplomacy; Wilson believed the US had a mission to spread democracy and capitalism to other nations and to protect them from foreign threats. (American beliefs in democracy and liberty; step in when other countries are not given their liberty) How & Where: Mexico; dictator had seized power so US wanted to step in to give the citizens more freedom and remove him from power. Used his beliefs in order to guide his decision making and made the US get more involved. (Unsuccessful turnout)
Foreign Policy: Roosevelt Corollary
President: Theodore Roosevelt issued the Roosevelt Corollary Description: Addition to the Monroe Doctrine; the Roosevelt Corollary denied that the United States wanted any more territory. The US government would intervene to prevent intervention from other powers. (If they are threatened US will react) How & Where: Was used in the Panama Canal, to get Panama's independence and it would benefit the US. Latin America (Santo Domingo.) To keep out European debt. US would step in to keep them from collecting their debt.
Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?
Some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas because politicians and businessmen believed it would help the country fuel and improve their economic growth.
US and Nationalism
Some leaders of the day believed that introducing Christianity and modern civilization to less developed nations around the world was a noble pursuit.
Changes in America in the nineteenth century: Growth in Manufacturing
Steel and iron production became the most important industries in the nation. The new inventions of chemicals, electricity, and oil made these productions possible. Steam driven machinery became prominent in the farms so animals and humans didn't have as much labor. As manufacturing was growing many immigrants began working in manufacturing. Also many changes were made regarding inventions and technology. Many saw the immigrants working as not as intelligent. They saw the presence of the working immigrants as a threat to the country. America seemed to be changing its ways and values, and people did not like that.
US and invading Cuba
Sugar trade and tobacco, valuable crops American ship, USS Maine exploded and US may have wanted form of justice Cubans rebelling, Cubans wanted independence from Spain. US may have wanted to help Protect investments
US and Economic Growth
The US needed to secure new markets in other countries, and the United Fruit Company invested and gained political influence in some Central American nations. These nations were called banana republics.
Outcomes of the Spanish American War: United States
The United States won the war Fewer than 400 died in battle. The rest of the 2500 that died, had died from diseases and health problems The US signed the Treaty of Paris with Spain in December of 1898. America gained new territory in exchange for money Involved in conflict with the Philippines and went through a long war Platt Amendment with Cuba
Changes in America in the nineteenth century: Immigration
The number of immigrants increased. Immigration shifted from northwestern Europe to southern and eastern Europe. The number of immigrants broadened the ethnic diversity in America. The great population growth and economic expansion was caused by immigration. The people and their lives were altered; more people in the cities meant the families got less and less space.
Explosion of the USS Maine
This accident was blamed on Spain and was the final breaking point for war declaration by both the U.S. and Spain. Some believed that Spain planned it, while others claimed it was not possible and was an accident or had some other cause.
Main reasons behind expansion
Trade/economics, nationalism, military factors, humanitarian/religion
Outcomes of the Spanish American War: Cuba
Was recognized as independent by the Spanish government US installed a military government in Cuba. Cubans felt that the US had betrayed them in securing their independence Were authorized to begin drafting their own constitution Platt Amendment was put into place. It stipulated that the Cuban government could not enter any foreign agreements, must allow the US to establish naval bases on the island, and give America the right to intervene. Cuba was reluctant but agreed
Yellow Journalism (SAW)
Yellow Journalism pushed the US into war after the sinking of the USS Maine, and was to get them involved to help Cuba after they declared their independence.
