America Claims an Empire

Beginning in 1867 and continuing through the century, global competition caused the U.S. to expand. In the early 1900s, the U.S. engaged in conflicts in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines.

Essential Question

Which individuals and events moved the U.S. into the role of a world power?

Objectives

•Explain the economic and cultural factors that fueled the growth of American imperialism.

• Identify events that escalated the conflict between the U.S. & Spain.

•Trace the course of the Spanish-American War and its results.

•Explain the purpose of the Open Door policy in China.

•Summarize the views regarding U.S. imperialism.

An American Empire

• Imperialism–Stronger nations extend their economic,

political, or military control over weaker territories.

•Alfred Mahan–Every world power has had a powerful

Navy.

•Hawai’i–Ruled by Queen Liliuokalani but annexed

by U.S. for sugar and Pearl Harbor.

•Alaska–Bought from Russia for $7.2 million

($0.02/acre)

The Spanish-American War• Cubans revolt against the Spanish and are routed by Spanish Army.

• Yellow Journalism–Exaggerates the news to lure

and enrage readers.

•U.S.S. Maine–Ship blew up in Havana Harbor

killing 260 U.S. sailors.–Probably accidental explosion

from inside the ship’s ammunition locker.

“Remember the Maine”• Fought in Cuba & The Philippines

• 11,000 Americans joined with Filipino rebels to defeat the Spanish.

•Rough Riders–Teddy Roosevelt quit as Secretary

of the Navy to join the war.

• Spanish fleet tries to flee Cuba but destroyed by U.S. Navy.

• Treaty of Paris (1898)–U.S. gets Puerto Rico & Guam–U.S. buys Philippines for $20

million.

Objectives

Explain the purpose of the Open Door Policy

Describe U.S. involvement in Puerto Rico & Cuba

Explain Teddy’s foreign policy to become a world power.

Acquiring New Lands

• Foraker Act– Ended military rule and set up civil

government in Puerto Rico.

• Platt Amendment– Cuba can’t make treaties that limit its

independence.– U.S. has right to intervene– Cuba can’t go into debt it can’t repay– U.S. could buy or lease land for Naval

base.

• Protectorate– Country whose affairs are partially

controlled by a stronger power.

The Chinese Question

•Open Door Policy– Imperialist nations share trading

rights within China.

• John Hay–U.S. Secretary of State responsible

for the Open Door Policy.

•Boxer Rebellion–Resentment at foreign domination

led to a revolt by Chinese secret societies that would kill “foreign devils.”

South America

• Panama Canal–Man made canal connecting the

Atlantic and Pacific oceans through Central America.

•Roosevelt Corollary–Disorder in South America would

cause U.S. to become international police.

•Dollar Diplomacy–U.S. government guaranteed loans

made to foreign countries by American business people.