Becoming a World PowerChapter 17

The Imperialist Vision

Desire for New Markets Imperialism – The economic and political domination of a strong nation over

other weaker nations. Protectorate – the imperial power allowed the local rulers to stay in control and protected

them against rebellions and invasion.

The nation would have to develop overseas markets once the west was developed to keep the economy strong.

Superiority Social Darwinism

Since nations competed politically, economically, and militarily – only the strongest will survive.

Belief that Americans, English-speakers had superior character, ideas, and government Destined to DOMINATE.

Manifest Destiny – West to the Pacific Ocean

Imperialism

Anglo-Saxonism – Expand overseas

and spread civilization

Expansion across the Pacific Commodore Perry opens Japan

Annexation of Hawaii

Japan Commodore Matthew Perry is sent with a naval expedition to Japan to

negotiate a trade treaty. Believed that the U.S. would benefit from trade with Japan.

Shocked by the steamships, it forced the Japanese to make internal changes because they could not keep up with Western technology

Ports of Simoda and Hakodadi open to U.S. trade

Hawaii Used Hawaii as a resting (fueling) place between the U.S. and Asia

Soil and climate were ideal for growing sugarcane US Senate signed a trade treaty to stop tariffs on sugarcane to help our Hawaii’s economy

When it came up for renewal the Hawaiians were forced to give up a naval base at Pearl Harbor to the U.S.

The planters are who forced the U.S. to annex Hawaii, in order to not lose power and prestige in Hawaii

Latin America US bought most raw materials from Latin America, but Latin America

bought most manufactured goods from Europe

Wanted to increase sales to Latin America

Wanted to prove their power to Europe

The United States needs a Navy Willing to risk war in defense of American interests overseas

Idea that if the U.S. did not build up its navy and bases overseas they would be shut out of foreign markets by the Europeans

Imperialism – The economic and political domination of a strong nation over other weaker nations.

Protectorate – the imperial power allowed the local rulers to stay in control and protected them against rebellions and invasion.

The nation would have to develop overseas markets once the west was developed to keep the economy strong.

The Spanish-American WarFirst Act of Imperialism

The Entrance into War The explosion on the Maine – What actually happened? Heavily debated

Blame on Spain

Support of the Cubans (Sugar) who were fighting for their independence from Spain.

Many Cuban rebels would flee to the United States to plan a new revolution

President Grover Cleveland declared the U.S. as neutral, but public support was for war.

What led us into the war? Dramatic stories of Spanish atrocities.

The two major newspapers: The New York Journal and The New York World William Randolph Hearst & Joseph Pulitzer both competed to increase circulation.

Yellow Journalism – Sensationalist reporting, in which writers often exaggerated or even made up stories to attract readers.

Satire of Hearst & Pulitzer

Calling out for war Led by newly elected Republican President McKinley in 1897.

Americans Battle as “The Rough Riders” A volunteer cavalry unit from the American West. A mix of cowboys,

miners, and law officers. Led by: Leonard Wood

Second in Command: Theodore Roosevelt

They did not make their attack alone, were supported by actual troops.

Led to: Spanish resistance in Cuba ending and on August 12, 1898 Spain and the United States agreed to a cease-fire.

What to do with the new territories Cuba would be given its freedom

Allowed to make their own Constitution but had to have special conditions.

Fought to annex the Philippines but with harsh rebellions and constant fighting, the Philippines were granted independence in 1946.

Governing Puerto Rico – under the Foraker Act, Puerto Rico would become an unincorporated territory (not U.S. Citizens) but Congress could pass laws for the island. Allowed in 1947 to pick own governor – Debate over what to do with Puerto Rico remains

today, still a commonwealth

Platt Amendment Cuba could not make any treaty with another nation that would weaken its

independence or allow another foreign power to gain territory in Cuba.

Cuba had to allow the United States to buy or lease naval stations in Cuba.

Cuba’s debts had to be kept low to prevent foreign countries from landing troops to enforce payment.

The United States would have the right to intervene to protect Cuban independence and keep order.

Repealed in 1934

New American Diplomacy

American Diplomacy in Asia The U.S. would have naval bases throughout the Pacific

Influence in Asia was mainly commerce NOT conquest.

Open Door Policy War between China & Japan over Korea

China was expected to beat Japan, but Japan beat China

China had been split up into spheres of influence, this bothered the U.S.

The United States backed an open door policy Everyone should be allowed to trade with China.

Balance of Power in East Asia Theodore Roosevelt worked hard with his open door policy, preventing any

one single nation from monopolizing trade.

In 1907 Roosevelt would send 16 battleships known as the “Great White Fleet” on a voyage around the world to showcase the nation’s military might.

The Panama Canal – Control in the Caribbean

The construction of a canal was vital to American power in the world.

The Panama Canal became territory of the U.S.

Secretary of State Hay offered Colombia $10 million, and a yearly rent of $250,000 for the right to construct the canal, and control a narrow strip of land on either side of it. Colombia refused the offer.

Panamanians revolted against Colombia, granted independence in 1903 and the Panama Canal was built.

Roosevelt Corollary The United States would intervene in Latin American affairs when necessary

to maintain economic and political stability in the Western Hemisphere.

Addition to the Monroe Doctrine

William Howard Taft Successor to Roosevelt

Belief that if American business leaders supported Latin American and Asian development, everyone would benefit.

The U.S. would increase trade, and American businesses would increase profit, countries in Latin America and Asia would rise out of poverty and social order.

Dollar Diplomacy – Substituting “Dollars for Bullets”