Introduction to An Emerging World Power

Building a World Power

DatePlaceHow the US Obtained It1867AlaskaPurchased from Russia1898HawaiiQueen Liliuokalani was overthrown by American planters1898Puerto RicoGained from Spain after the Spanish American War1898GuamGained from Spain after the Spanish American War1898PhilippinesGained from Spain after the Spanish American War1903Panama CanalA treaty with Panama1917Virgin IslandsPurchased from the Dutch (Denmark)The Purchase of AlaskaMany Americans thought it was foolish for the US to buy Alaska from Russia in 1867 because it was so far away and so unknownIt cost America $7.2 million, thats 2 cents an acreThey called it Sewards Folly after William Seward, the Secretary of State who bought Alaska

The Purchase of AlaskaBuying Alaska turned out to be very profitable, in 1896 gold was discovered in the Klondike regionResources of fish, lumber, oil, coal, and copper poured in, many felt that we should search for new lands across the seas

Excerpt from The Annexation of HawaiiThe United States was the biggest market for Hawaii's sugar. The transplanted planters longed for Hawaii to become part of the United States so they wouldn't have to worry about tariffs. The U.S. minister to Hawaii, John L. Stevens, was anxious to annex the islands as well. Sensing this, Queen Liliuokalani was on the verge of imposing a new Constitution shifting power back to the monarchy - but she never got the chance.

On Jan. 16, 1893, U.S. Marines landed in Honolulu armed with Howitzer cannons and carbines. A group of 18 men - mostly American sugar farmers - staged a coup, proclaiming themselves the "provisional government" of Hawaii. Stevens gave immediate recognition to them as Hawaii's true government. Excerpt from The Annexation of HawaiiImprisoned in Iolani Palace, Queen Liliuokalani issued a statement:

"I yield to the superior force of the United States of America, whose minister, his Excellency John L. Stevens, has caused United States troops to be landed at Honolulu. ... Now, to avoid any collision of armed forces and perhaps the loss of life, I do, under this protest, and impelled by said force, yield my authority until such time as the government of the United States shall undo the action of its representative and reinstate me."

Excerpt from The Annexation of HawaiiPresident Grover Cleveland investigated the coup and fired Stevens. He apologized to the queen. And on Dec. 18, 1893, he briefed Congress on his findings:

"By an act of war, committed with the participation of a diplomatic representative of the United States and without authority of Congress, the government of a feeble but friendly and confiding people has been overthrown," Cleveland said. "A substantial wrong has thus been done, which a due regard for our national character, as well as the rights of the injured people, requires we should endeavor to repair."

Cleveland refused to approve the annexation of Hawaii. Soon, however, he was out of office, and President William McKinley gave it his blessing.

Acquisition of HawaiiUS interest in Hawaii was because of two major reasons: strategic location along trade routes to Asia and fertile soil

During the 1820s, New England Protestant missionaries travel to Hawaii

Acquisition of HawaiiBy 1870s, their descendants had become major landowners in Hawaii

In 1866, Hawaiian King Kalakaua attempts to restrict American influence

Acquisition of HawaiiThe Hawaiian League is formed to overthrow the monarchy and they persuade a US annexation led by plantation owner Sanford Dole

1887: The Hawaiian League forces Kalakaua to sign a new constitution that limited his power

Sanford DoleAcquisition of HawaiiUS gets rights to use Pearl Harbor as a naval base

In 1891, King Kalakaua is succeeded by his sister, Queen Liliuokalani

Acquisition of HawaiiQueen Liliuokalani tries to encourage Hawaiian nationalism

Hawaii doesnt get annexed until 1898, then becomes a state in 1959 (50th State)Spanish American War (1898)Why America Took an Interest in a Foreign WarEconomics: US invested $50 million into Cuba sugar plantations

Humanitarian: Americans sympathized with the Cubans revolting against Spain

Expansionism: some recognized the opportunity to seize land from Spain

Spanish American War (1898)Immediate Causes Leading America to WarYellow Journalism: distorted and exaggerated newspaper articles (Examples: William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer)

The DeLome Note: a Spanish minister wrote a note that stated, President McKinley is weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowds

Sinking of the Maine: a US battleship that exploded in the harbor of Havana, Cuba (it was never determined at that time if Spain was responsible)

Spanish American War (1898)

Joseph PulitzerWilliam Randolph Hearst

Spanish American War (1898)

Spanish American War (1898)

Spanish American War (1898)

Spanish American War (1898)The Splendid Little WarThousands of Americans volunteered to fight in the war against Spain

Our Army quickly grew from 30,000 soldiers to more than 274,000; included were the Buffalo Soldiers

Theodore Roosevelt was one of the war volunteers and led a company of cowhands and college athletes who called themselves the Rough Riders

Spanish American War (1898)Rough RidersA volunteer cavalry group led by Teddy RooseveltMade up of cowboys, miners, actors, lawmen, socialists, etc...They captured San Juan Hill

Spanish American War (1898)

Spanish American War (1898)

Spanish American War (1898)Buffalo SoldiersAll black regiment led by Black Jack Pershing

Developed into the most distinguished fighting units in the Army (9th, 10th, 24th, and 25th Cavalries)

Spanish American War (1898)Battles of the Spanish American WarManila Bay, Philippines Theodore Roosevelt sent Admiral Dewey and the American Navy to destroy the Spanish Naval Fleet harbored in Manila Bay and captured the entire Spanish Fleet

San Juan Hill, Cuba Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders led a charge up San Juan Hill and defeated the Spanish

Spanish American War (1898)

Spanish American War (1898)

Spanish American War (1898)Spanish American War FactsApril 25, 1898 to August 13, 1898Main Combatants: Spain vs. AmericaAmerican President: William McKinleyFought in Cuba and Philippines and Puerto RicoMore Americans died from disease, than from Spanish battles

Spanish American War (1898)The Results of the Spanish American WarThe war lasted less than 4 monthsThe Americans won the warAbout 5,000 died (most from disease)Treaty of Paris ended the warCuba granted independence from Spain and Cuba must lease Guantanamo Bay to the US for naval and coaling stationUS gets the Philippines for $20 millionSpain gave the USGuam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines

"Benevolent Assimilation" Proclamation of President William McKinley December 21, 1898It will be the duty of the commander of the forces of occupation to announce and proclaim in the most public manner that we come not as invaders or conquerors, but as friends, to protect the natives in their homes, in their employment, and in their personal and religious rights. All persons who . . . cooperate with the Government of the United States . . . will receive the reward of its support and protection. All others will be brought within the lawful rule we have assumed, with firmness if need be, but without severity, so far as may be possibleWar in the PhilippinesAmerica paid $20 million for the Philippines after the Spanish American WarEmilio Aguinaldo sets up provisional Philippine government and proclaims himself PresidentMcKinley felt the Filipinos were unfit for self government and the Filipinos wanted their independence1899: Filipino rebels revolted fighting a 3 year war against US for their independence

War in the PhilippinesAmerica had 4,324 soldiers die and 3,000 woundedFilipinos had 20,000 soldiers die and about 250,000 woundedThe war cost America $400 million In 1902 American Congress passed the Philippine Government Act which states that Philippines would be ruled by a governor and two house legislaturesInvaded by Japan during WW II: total independence will not come to the Philippines until 1946

Puerto RicoMade into a territory like Samoa and Cuba

Foraker Act: governor and upper house to be appointed by US and low house would be elected by Puerto Ricans

Jones Act of 1917: made Puerto Ricans, American citizens and they can elect both houses of their own legislature. (1 vote in Americas House of Representatives)

Puerto Rico1952: becomes a Commonwealth, but America maintains ultimate sovereignty over the Latin American territory Puerto Rico

What America Governs: the United States Congress legislates over many fundamental aspects of Puerto Rican life, including citizenship, currency, postal service, foreign affairs, military defense, communications, labor relations, the environment, commerce, finance, health and welfare, and many othersPuerto Ricans CANNOT vote for the President

Panamas Revolution Reasons for the Panama Canal:An expanded navy was needed to defend overseas coloniesQuicker route to the northwest by joining the Atlantic & Pacific Ocean

Colombia refused the financial terms offered to them to buy the area

So President Roosevelt sent word to the people of Panama, that IF a revolution would take place against Colombias rule, the US Navy would be nearby to help. It would prevent Colombian troops from entering Panama

Panamas Revolution 1903: Hay-Herran Treaty is drafted (99 year lease over a six mile stretch across Panama in exchange for $10 million and 250,000 yearly rental)

Philippine Bunau-Varilla, former chief engineer for France asked the US to support a Panamanian Revolution

November 2, 1903: American gunboat arrives in Panama

November 4, 1903: US recognizes Panama and declare Panama an independent nation

Panamas Revolution November 6, 1903: US recognize Panama and begin negotiations and America builds the canal!

Colonel George W. Goethals completed the Panama Canal in 1913

President Roosevelt was the first President of the US to leave the United States while President. He visited the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914. The canal today still helps move people and goods all around the world

The Great White Fleet1907: President Theodore Roosevelt sends 4 destroyers and 16 battleships on a world cruiseTeddy Roosevelts Motto Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick meant American diplomacy should be backed by a strong navy (the Great White Fleet) a threat of military action only if other nations dont meet US demands

Open Door Policy1899 American Secretary of State John Hay issued a series of policies stating Asian nations should share trading rights with AmericaSpheres of Influences where a foreign nation has exclusive rights over trade, mines and railroads

Open Door PolicyBoxer RebellionCaused by Chinese resentment of foreignersSociety of Right and Harmonious Fists (Boxers) begins the rebellionIn 1900, they attacked Western missionaries and traders in northern China, killing 300 foreignersThe Boxers laid siege to foreign settlements in Beijing, ChinaThe 55 day rebellion ends and international forces enter China

Imperialists vs. Anti-Imperialists After the Spanish American War it was greatly debated if we should ratify the Treaty of Paris. Those for it were called the Imperialists and those against it were Anti-Imperialists.

The Supreme Court in 1901 ruled Annexed people dont automatically have the rights of US citizens.

Declined With Thanks

The Antis here take a dose of this anti-fat and get thin again!Uncle Sam no Sonny, I never did take any of that stuff, and Im too old to begin

Questions:How did the cartoonist depict Uncle Sam?What do the labels on Uncle Sams pants represent? What other labels might the cartoonist have included?Why is the cartoon titled Declined with Thanks?What other title or caption might the cartoonist have used to express the main idea of this cartoon?52IMPERIALISTSANTI-IMPERIALISTSThe United States needs colonies to compete economically. Supporting an empire would be a financial burden. It is Americas destiny to expand and its duty to care for the weak and poor.

The U.S. should concentrate its energies on solving our problems at homeIts only honorable to keep land that Americans lost their lives for.

Nonwhite people cant be assimilated into American society. To Abandon those territories makes the U.S. appear cowardly before the world.

Its a violation of democratic principles not offering its people the same rights as those of American citizens. To be a true World Power, the U.S. needs colonies and Naval bases. Being a World Power would involve the U.S in more wars.