America’s First Empire Welcome! These mini-lectures are an overview of your assigned readings—they should provide better understanding of what you are reading! Just listen (if audio is provided, it plays automatically), then read the slide, and use the next arrowhead. If you are viewing this in PDF, use the down arrow at the top of the pdf. Contents: Who Makes Foreign Policy Export Trade Expansionists v. Anti-Imperialist War with Spain—Turning Point Hawaii Asia Conclusions. A brief post test.
Transcript
America’s First Empire
Welcome!
These mini-lectures are an overview of your assigned readings—they should provide better understanding of what you are reading!
Just listen (if audio is provided, it plays automatically), then read the slide, and use the next arrowhead. If you are viewing this in PDF, use the down arrow at the top of the pdf.
Contents:Who Makes Foreign PolicyExport TradeExpansionists v. Anti-ImperialistWar with Spain—Turning PointHawaiiAsia
Conclusions.
A brief post test.
Who Makes Foreign Policy?America was founded on the principle of opposing IMPERIALISM—the act of Britain holding North America as a colony. How did America become and imperial power herself? Throughout the world from the 1830s to the early 1900s the strongest powers on earth tended to gain some control over weaker powers. The notion of “strong” changed significantly during this time. No longer was power regional. It was global. No longer was it dependent upon horseback—power flowed through steam driven navies. No longer was it for some profit and food; but for extensive profits in any endeavor. Three trends ( militarism, industrialism, and expansion) came together to send British, German, French, and Dutch forces into Africa for example. These same forces sent America into a world market. They also sent troops to protect those markets. And following close behind came a wide variety of “explanations” or justifications for these behavior. American missionaries flooded new colonies in an effort to convert “heathens”; and
Many factors in America—wealth, technical power, moral sense of duty, and so on created what some view as a genuine “burden” to help; and what others say was an “excuse” for economic control of foreign natural resources. An example was Rudyard Kipling’s White Man’s Burden, 1899. Originally a moral call to duty with a sobering list of the costs of such duty—It was used by American expansionists as a call for action. One soap company even used the phrase to advertise that Americans should teach the “lesser races” cleanliness
Take up the White Man's burden--Send forth the best ye breed--Go bind your sons to exileTo serve your captives' need;To wait in heavy harness,On fluttered folk and wild--Your new-caught, sullen peoples,Half-devil and half-child
American Top Export Targets, 1890
Nation Sold ToMillions of
Dollars
Europe $459,000,000.00
South America $118,000,000.00
Asia $98,000,000.00
West Indies $86,000,000.00
Canada (Brit.N. Am.) $39,000,000.00
Mexico & Central America $37,000,000.00
American Goods Exported, 1860-1890, Millions of Dollars
Product 1860 1890 % Change
All Farm Goods $257,000,000.00 $643,000,000.00 250%
All Manufacturing $46,000,000.00 $169,000,000.00 367%
Cotton $191,000,000.00 $290,000,000.00 152%
The massive industrial and technical output of America & Europe produced a world wide expansion of “empires”—or the control of one country by another..mostly focused around business.
Minor Keith’s United Fruit Company. Between 1874-1882 he struggled to build a railroad in Costa Rico. With few passengers it was about to fail when he started shipping bananas! After years of success he went bankrupt only to re-organize.
Established banana & pineapple plantations in Honduras & NicaraguaControl of over 1 million acres in Central AmericaBuilt railroads and secured 99 year leases on land
Nearly every foreign incursion in the late 1800s was tied to economic interests United Fruit Company.
After commerce, came demands to protect that commerce
Naval militarism is best expressed by Alfred T. MahanDescribed influence of sea power, The Influence of Sea Power upon History.
Or “navalism” as it was calledSaid “industry gained by the sea”Said U.S. needed colonies for wartime defense As well as peace time commerce.
As a result of his influence the United States would expand its Navy, Marines, and Army. And commercial sea vessels would be a factor in China, Latin America, Hawaii & Cuba
First, in peace: The government by its policy can favor the natural growth of a people's industries and its tendencies to seek adventure and gain by way of the sea….
Secondly, for war: The influence of the government will be felt in its most legitimate manner in maintaining an armed navy, ...favoring a healthful spirit and activity, and providing for rapid development in time of war …preparation must come the maintenance of suitable naval stations, in those distant parts of the world to which the armed shipping must follow the peaceful vessels of commerce. The protection of such stations must depend either upon direct military force….
Colonies attached to the mother-country afford, therefore, the surest means of supporting abroad the sea power of a country.
Motives for Empire?
Economic Motives —to extend & protect America’s growing export/import economyApproximately 50% of U.S. farm goods depending on exports
Military Motives —defense and protection…based on fears of German and English expansion
Sense of Superiority/Obligation —the often misguided hope of making other peoples like Americans (industrialized, urban, Christian, capitalistic and democratic). This included many church missionaries spreading their word overseas. This also includes humanitarian efforts —to aid those in need who suffered poverty, ignorance, & political repression
Expansionists
Many expansionists were prominent Protestant clergy seeking to convert the “heathens” for the Philippines and other areas. Josiah Strong, author of Our Country called upon the United States to…
maintain “order in Latin America”…to protect our citizens the world over. "Why should an American missionary," asked Strong, "be a man without a country?" He claimed underdeveloped countries “spread disease and disorder”. He also called for the recognition of imperialism as the climax of a continuing movement. Strong felt that the United States was destined to he the great imperial power.
“I do not believe that there ever was a war more righteous than that which we have undertaken” Wayland Hoyt, pastor, New York City.
Josiah Strong
Strong came to national attention with his 1885 book:Our Country: Its Possible Future and Present Crisis
In the book he asserts:
"Anglo-Saxon race (by which he meant the white Protestants - peoples of England and America) had a responsibility to civilize and Christianize the world….”
was an influential clergyman who helped found the “Social Gospel” movement of the late nineteenth century. In 1898 he established the League for Social Service to provide volunteer help for social ills of poverty, homelessness etc.
Anti-Imperialists
Americans opposed to expansion in foreign waters were especially concerned with the expansion into the Caribbean and Pacific. The ‘anti-imperialist divided themselves into two camps.
Most, given the racial and cultural attitudes of the time, felt that the peoples in places like Cuba, Hawaii, the Philippines, and so on were racially and culturally inferior. They expressed concern that the “American” race would be “infected”. Some felt that even freeing Cuban natives from Spain would create a “Black Republic” on the American doorstep. Andrew Carnegie and Carl Schurz among others expressed these views.
Others, like Mark Twain, felt taking another’s lands and countries, whatever the practical reason, was morally wrong and abusive.
Background: Spain & Cuba
Spain held colonies in the Americas since 1500—and for most of that time used the colonies to send raw trade goods back to Spain. Despite the wealth, Spain declined in power and England and France soon dominated trade…leading to revolutions and independence for most of Latin America in the early 1800s—except for Cuba. Cuba remained a source of sugar and other goods.
Cuban backgroundSince the 8140s guerrilla fighters known as mambises fought for autonomy from Spain. That war concluded with a treaty that was never enforced. In the 1890's Cubans began to agitate once again for their freedom from Spain. The moral leader of this struggle was José Martí, known as "El Apóstol." Americans were sympathetic, but also felt themselves to be racially superior to the “darker” race of Cubans.
Cuban Sugar
In 1895 the US still did not assess export tariff taxes on Cuban sugar sold to the Americans because it was so popular. And because, we benefitted financially.
That year U.S investments in Cuba’s sugar industry was $50,000,000; and the sales of sugar products from Cuba was $102,000,000!
The Wilson-Gorman Tariff placed Cuban sugar on the tariff list, making it more expensive than Louisiana beet sugar—and relations began to sour with Spain. Fearing reduced sugar production and more successful rebels, Spain sent General Valeriano Weyler to force more labor into the fields and to quell uprisings. He developed a controversial plan of “Concentration Camps” during the planting and harvesting seasons. Many Cubans suffered and died; and Weyler earned the nickname, “Butcher Weyler”.
Treatment of the natives, soon became a cause for manyExpansionists. Pro-expansionist newspapers like WilliamR. Hearst’s NY Journal, and the NY World paid artists and Photographers to send images to the papers for exploitation.Marti and other revolutionary leaders went back and forth between Cuba to fight, and New York City to raise money. In 1896, over the objections of the President, CongressPassed a resolution formally recognizing Cuban belligerency and recognizing Cuban Independence.
Hearst
Fearing mistreatment of natives & possible war, the U. S. negotiates with Spain to send the brand new ship USS Maineto Havana Harbor so that American officials can reach a diplomatic agreement with Spain over Cuba.
On February 9, the NY Journal leaked a copy of a cable from Enrique de Lome, the Spanish Minister to Cuba which was highly critical of President McKinley—Americans were outraged:
“…it once more shows what McKinley is, weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd besides being a would-be politician (politicastro) who tries to leave a door open behind himself while keeping on good terms with the jingoes of his party.’
McKinley
SHOCKING NEWS
“Maine blown up tonight about 9:40 and destroyed. Many wounded and doubtless more killed or drowned”. Capt. Charles Sigsbee, Feb 15, 1898
When the USS Maine exploded in Cuba, Americans blamed Spain & demanded actionCongressional Resolutions
Cuba declared free by the American CongressSpain was asked to withdraw
Spain did offer an apology, but it was not enoughPresident given authority to use force if needed“Teller Amendment” prohibits annexation of Cuba
Emphasized “enslavement of natives”—humanitarian motives when needed
McKinley’s war message…"... to authorize and empower the President to take measures to secure a full and final termination of hostilities between the government of Spain and the people of Cuba, and to secure in the island the establishment of a stable government, capable of maintaining order and observing its international obligations, insuring peace and tranquillity [sic] and the security of its citizens as well as our own, and to use the military and naval forces of the United States as may be necessary for these purposes.“
Teller Amendment
"... hereby disclaims any disposition of intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said island except for pacification thereof, and asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government and control of the island to its people."
Volunteers and regular armed forces went on high alert.
The U.S. Navy began an immediate blockade of Cuba. As preparations were made for an invasion, planners feared the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay of the Philippine Islands might attack American interests in the Pacific. So Navy Secretary Long issued these orders to Admiral Dewey:
“Proceed at once to the Philippine islands. Commence operations against the Spanish fleet. Use utmost endeavors.” John Long Secretary of the Navy
William Hearst covered the war personally aboard the “Sylvia” where he wrote the “Cuban Edition”. The war with Spain would be the first modern journalists war.
Admiral Dewey aboard his flagship, USS Olympia
A big victory for the U.S.; and a new type of war!
Only 10 short weeksOften called the “Splendid” little warOnly 400 Americans killed in actionBut 6,000 die of diseaseHeroes: George Dewey & Teddy Roosevelt
Fought on two oceans200,000 volunteered; 7,400 fought7,000 African AmericansAfrican Americans honored in 24th-25th Infantry & 9th-10th Calvary(smoked Yankees)
Sheet music of the war!
Also interest in Hawaii!The Islands were a major re-fueling port in Pacific (just as Mahan had argued). By 1857 U.S. planters dominated sugar trade. In 1887 U.S. planters rig a “Senate” to rule over natives & pass laws favorable to planters. In 1891 Queen Liliuokalani staged coup to regain power & fails.
U.S. Marines and State Department officials aided the planters in the Queen’s downfall.
The islands were finally annexed 1898.Motives include economic, some military, and some sense of obligation.
Sanford B. Dole, the son of a missionary, became a friend of both the sugar planters and the natives in Hawaii. He advocated westernizing the islands. He is on the left seated with the Queen.
The treaty we forced on Spain gave Cuba her independence; but (according to the TellerAmendment) with U.S. Troops occupying Cuba until 1901—to stabilize the government. When we left Cuba in 1901, the U.S. Congress adopted A resolution, the Platt Amendment, and forced it into the new Cuban constitution—that we had the right to intervene in Cuba to promote stability.
But since Dewey had captured the heart of the Philippine Islands, the Congress & President were less sure about such a distant island. After considerable thought, McKinley decided to “keep them”. And war between the Philippine rebels, lead by Emilio Aguinaldo, lasted from 1899-1902. Opposition to the war helped create the Anti-Imperialist League, and led Rudyard Kipling to write the White Man’s burden”.
Aguinaldo, Mother, child
European interests and some Americans were also expanding into China.
But nationalistic forces in China attempted to overthrow the foreigners. The nationalists, called Boxers, because of their Chinese namesakes—righteous and harmonious fists.
In June 1900 Boxers attacked allied forces and bitter fighting took place.
While an accord was reached the incident spoiled U.S. China relations for decades. It also resulted in the overthrow of the government.
treatment of Boxer prisoner
Conclusions! The American Empire! By 1902, the U.S.
Was one of the largest export economies of the World!Expanding farm exports by 250% Expanding manufactured goods by 367%Had fought & won a major war on two ocean fronts!Controlled Guam, Philippines, Hawaii, Cuba and more!Had intellectually & spiritually justified these new roles!Had greatly expanded the foreign powers of government!Was a partner in the defeat of Chinese rebels!And, we had the heroes to prove it.
We fully embraced militarism, missions, imperialism, & the “White Man’s” burden.
The gross cartoon above was popular in this period—clearly stating that Uncle Sam, supported by the Army & Navy, was holding up the poor uncivilized, “darker”Peoples of the islands we controlled. Note the stereotypes of the black skinned individuals—and note that they are depicted as “babies” in diapers. Europeans look on in admiration.
A Brief Post Test! Read the question, then click on the best answer to see feedback.Kipling’s “White Man’s Burden” advocated imperialism but at great cost. True. False.U.S. exports to South America by 1900 were second only to Europe. True. False.U.S. farm exports from 1860-1900 only grew 25%. True. False.Minor Keith’s fruit exports finally collapsed and failed in Central America. True. False.A. T. Mahan advocated colonies for both business and military defense. True. False.Economic, military and human motives helped create America’s first empire. True. False.Josiah Strong advocated missionary work, but was not an expansionist. True. False.Anti-imperialism rested on racism, and on claims imperialism was wrong. True. False.Decisions to go to war over Cuba were not influenced by an active press. True. False.The Teller Amendment said the U.S. would withdraw from Cuba once stabilized. True. False.The Hawaiian monarchy supported U.S. annexation. True. False.The U.S. fought a three year war to subdue the Philippine Islands. True. False.The U.S. helped European allies defeat the Boxers in China in 1900-1901. True. False.
