Reasons For U.S. Imperialism: Global Competition
Competition with European countries Africa and Asia seen as main targets
Only two African countries remain independent
Theodore Roosevelt’s desire to be a world power
This is what world powers do“As one of the great nations of the world, the
United States must not fall out of the line of march.”
~ U.S. Senator
What does this mean???
Reasons For U.S. Imperialism: Cultural superiority
Social Darwinism racial superiority America’s duty to “Christianize and
Civilize” Idea that God had willed the United
States to be greater than all other nations (Manifest Destiny)
Rudyard Kipling’s, “White Man’s Burden”
Josiah Strong’s, “Our Country”
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.
Take up the White Man's burden--In patience to abide,To veil the threat of terrorAnd check the show of pride;By open speech and simple,An hundred times made plainTo seek another's profit,And work another's gain.
Take up the White Man's burden--The savage wars of peace--Fill full the mouth of FamineAnd bid the sickness cease;And when your goal is nearestThe end for others sought,Watch sloth and heathen FollyBring all your hopes to nought.
According to Kipling, what is the “white man’s burden?”
Reasons For U.S. Imperialism: Naval Bases Alfred T. Mahan – encourage U.S. to
build its naval power (compete with world powers) Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia
Need for naval bases for fuel stations throughout the world Throughout the Pacific
Reasons For U.S. Imperialism: New Markets
Surplus of goods creating need for new markets throughout the world (raw materials and foreign trade)
New investment
Our Acquisitions: Alaska, Hawaii, and Samoa Alaska Purchased in 1867
William Seward, U.S. Secretary of State
Called “Seward’s Folly” Rich in natural resources
Hawaii Vital for food
(sugar), supplies, and fuel (Pearl Harbor)
Spread Christianity
Samoa Important for
refueling
Events Leading up to War
U.S. attempts to buy Cuba from Spain
Cuban War for Independence Led by Jose Marti (Cuban
poet) American opinion split
Spanish Response Valeriano Weyler (Spanish
General) beats rebellion and imprisons thousands of Cubans
Causes of the War
Major Causes1) Yellow Journalism2) De Lome Letter3) Sinking of the ‘U.S.S.
Maine’Minor Causes1. Support of Monroe
Doctrine2. Desire for Empire3. Belief in American
Superiority
Yellow Journalism Sensational stories about Spanish
atrocities towards the Cubans “Butcher Weyler” Stories of poisoned wells and killing
children William Randolph Hearst and
Joseph Pulitzer fuel the war
“You furnish the pictures and I’ll
furnish the war.” ~ Hearst
Click to edit the outline text format
Second Outline Level Third Outline
LevelFourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level
Sixth Outline Level
Seventh Outline Level
Eighth Outline Level
Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles Second level
Third level Fourth level
Fifth level
De Lome Letter
Enrique Dupuy de Lome Spanish minister to the U.S.
Letter criticized the President Called him “weak”
and insulted greatly Letter is stolen and
leaked to New York Journal
De Lome is forced to resign, Spanish embarrassed and Americans angry
Sinking of the U.S.S. Maine
Battleship sent in to escort American citizens and protect property
Feb. 15, 1898 ship blows up in Havana Harbor (260 men killed)
Debate over the reason for the ship exploding still exists (newspapers blame the Spanish angering Americans more)
April 20, 1898 U.S. declares war on Spain
Before
After
War in the Philippines
First battle in the Philippines Commodore George Dewey attacks the
Spanish fleet Spanish are easily defeatedU.S. receives help from Filipino rebels
War in the Caribbean
Rough Riders cavalry group led by Theodore Roosevelt Gain fame at Kettle Hill
and San Juan Hill (Cuba) Spanish easily
defeated in Cuba Soon after they are
defeated in Puerto Rico
Treaty of Paris
December 10, 1898 Terms
Cuba is given independence Guam and Puerto Rico given to the U.S. Spain sells Philippines to U.S. for $20
million Actual war lasts a total of 15 weeks
361 American deaths, 2,061 of food poisoning and disease
Sec. of State John Hay calls the war, “a splendid little war.”
Effects on new areas
Puerto Rico Foraker Act (1900) Set up gov’t where
U.S. had a great deal of influence Puerto Ricans have been granted U.S.
citizenship Cuba
Platt Amendment gives the U.S. far more power in Cuba and right to intervene
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Marine base)
Beginning of Trade
China being split by European powers Spheres of Influence – only one nation can
trade in a specific area Increased trade w/ the U.S.
American missionaries sent to China Chinese workers come to America to work
on railroads
“The Empress of China” trading
goods b/w the U.S. and China
Conflict
Chinese want to preserve traditional culture
Mixed perceptions of China exotic, backward and
immoral Chinese Exclusion Act
(1882) suspends Chinese immigration
Open Door Notes
Letters to share trading rights w/ the U.S. John Hay (Sec. Of State for McKinley) Agreed to by foreign powers, but not
happy
Boxer Rebellion
Traditionalist Chinese become angered Attack and murder
missionaries, other foreigners, and Chinese converts
Hundreds of foreigners die, thousands of Chinese die in fighting
Rebellion eventually put down and shaky relations with China continue
Roosevelt and the Treaty
Roosevelt wants both to have open door policy w/ China
Roosevelt fears Japanese power
Treaty at Portsmouth, NH (1905)
Roosevelt wins the Nobel Peace Prize
“it could possibly mean a struggle between them
(Japan) and us in the future” ~ Roosevelt foreshadowing
United States in Latin America
Click to edit the outline text format
Second Outline Level Third Outline
LevelFourth Outline Level Fifth Outline Level
Sixth Outline Level
Seventh Outline Level
Eighth Outline Level
Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles Second level
Third level Fourth level
Fifth level
Background
Monroe Doctrine – U.S. opposes any European involvement in Western Hemisphere (1823)
Interested in protection within own region
Concerned about potential canal zone
Economic interests
Big Stick Diplomacy
“Speak softly and carry a big stick.” ~TR Believed that the U.S. had to build up a strong
military Military sphere of influence
The military would provide the “threat” of force in order to protect American interests The threat would allow America to back up its word
A Latin American Police Force
Roosevelt Corollary – Says that US will intervene in any Latin American country whose stability was in question (get rid of European influence) Military sphere of influence
Examples: Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti
Mixed Opinions
Dollar & Moral Diplomacy
William H. Taft Dollar Diplomacy – urge banks and business to
invest in Latin America Economic sphere of influence
Woodrow Wilson Wilson was more an anti-imperialist Thought using money or force would hurt the
U.S. and Latin America Promote democratic gov’ts
The panama canal
1880 – French company begins work on a canal across Panama Ferdinand de Lesseps (same man who
built the Suez Canal) After a decade, the canal was
canceled (disease and terrain) 20,000 dead
in 9 years (French give up)
American motivations
1) Boost the nation’s economy2) 2) Shorten journey b/w eastern
factories and Asian markets
Significance of Canal
50 mile canal Trip was 8,000 miles
shorter Gateway between
the Atlantic and Pacific
“The Land Divided, the World United”
One of the two most important canals in the world
World War IAmerica as a World Power Unit
Long Term Causes of the War
M MilitarismA Alliances I ImperialismN Nationalism
(M)ilitarism
Definition – development of armed forces and their use as a diplomatic tool
Military spending to defend empires; everybody wanted a stronger military than their competition
By 1890 – Great Britain is greatest naval power; Germany is greatest land power
Other countries quickly join the race
European competition for the greatest navy and most advanced
technology
(A)lliances
Triple Entente – France, Great Britain and Russia (a.k.a. the “allies”)
Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy (a.k.a. the “central powers”)
Purpose was to maintain the balance of power and stop war from occurring
The system primarily set up by Otto Von Bismarck (German statesman)
(I)mperialism
Definition - Building of empires economically and politically (not exclusive to the US)
Colonies provide raw materials, markets, and extension of power
Leads to competition and increased militarism
All nations begin to extend their influence throughout the “third world”
(N)ationalism
Definition – devotion to the interests and culture of one’s nation
Social Darwinism and ethnic differences
Leads to competition and rivalry among European countries
Pan-Slavism A united country of Slavic people protected by Russia (leads to outbreak of war)
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand& The July Crisis
Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary Nephew of the
current king – Franz Joseph
Dangerous to Serbia
Would have granted Southern Slavs autonomy (self-rule) but couldn’t let them be independent
Ended possible revolution in Bosnia and reunification with Serbia
June 28, 1914 Franz Ferdinand visits Sarajevo, Bosnia on a goodwill tour
200th anniversary of A-H’s rule over Bosnia
Bad Choice… Gavrilo Princip and “Black Hand” gang shot Ferdinand while he visited Sarajevo
Gavrilo Princip:Facts:
(1) Wanted to free Bosnia from the rule of Austria-Hungary and make it part of Serbia once again
(2) Murdered Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his pregnant wife Sophia
(3) His purpose was to send a message to Austria-Hungary and promote national self-determination
(4) The Assassination was planned and supported by the Serbian government
Question:
Is Gavrilo Princip a terrorist or freedom fighter?
July Crisis
Austria confers with Germany for almost 1 month
Germany offers unlimited and unconditional support
Russia’s Role
Austria tries to provoke Serbia into war July 23 – delivered 24 point ultimatum
Serbia submits to all but 1 condition A-H can’t come into Serbia to investigate
July 28 A-H declares war on Serbia Felt bound to help defend
Serbia (Pan-Slavism) July 30-31 – Russia mobilized
against A-H and Germany – also asked France to mobilize
July 31 – A-H mobilized against Russia Germany began to mobilize and
gave Russia a 12 hr. deadline to stop their mobilization
Russia refused to stop
Further declarations of war
August 1 – Ger. Declares war on Russia August 3 – Ger. Declares war on France
Italians were left out of loop Claim ignorance and insult
Brit. Fears a Ger. victory August 4 – Brit. Joins France and Russia
Includes Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland…
Where is America?
U.S. is officially neutral Individuals are divided on who
they should support (or to support any nation at all)
American Neutrality
Interventionists
isolationists Split ties due to immigration
Support Germany German ancestry Irish looking to gain
independence from Britain
Support Britain Common culture,
language, and legal system
German attack on Belgium Economic ties w/ British
Socialists criticize war Conflict over markets and
economic control U.S. should be an example
peace William Jennings Bryan
Fear of families experiencing horrors of war
Sinking of the Lusitania
Sailing from New York to England (carrying civilians and munitions)
May 7, 1915 Sunk by a German U-Boat
Lusitania
1,198 killed (128 Americans) Wilson demands an apology, money,
and commitment not to use submarines
Germans agree to most; Americans back down and remain neutral
Zimmermann Note
Arthur Zimmermann – German ambassador to Mexico
If Mexico joins a German alliance, Germany would help to restore territory in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona back to Mexico
Note is made public and outrages Americans
The Final Straw Wilson says “the
world must be made safe for democracy” in his call for war to Congress
Germans continue use of unrestricted submarine warfare
April 6, 1917 – U.S. Congress declares war
“It is a war against all nations…the
challenge is to all mankind.”
Recruiting & Raising an Army
Selective Service Act (May 1917) Required all men between
21-30 to sign up for military service (opposed by many)
Random selection Later made to include ages
18-45 3 million men drafted 2 more million volunteer 400,000 African Americans
serve. Women worked as clerks, nurses, stenographers and radio operators
The American impact Mass Production
1) ship workers exempt from draft
2) Emphasize importance of ship making
3) Fabrication techniques used Built elsewhere, but
assembled at the shipyard
4) Gov’t took over some commercial and private ships
American arrival Europe had been at war for more than
2 years already. Convoy system warships guard troop
carriers across the Atlantic (soldiers and supplies reach safely)
June 14, 1917 – General John J. Pershing and the American Expeditionary Forces (“Doughboys”) Fresh and enthusiastic troops A boost in morale
American forces turn the tide of the war in a time of desperate need
The American Expeditionary Forces, or
“Doughboys”
The Trenches
Systems of digging out the ground to protect army
Both sides utilize the trenches Life in the trenches was uncomfortable
and quite bleak “no man’s land” barren expanse of
mud with shell craters and barbed wire
BBC Trenches
Image of soldiers “going over the top” – meaning to climb over the trenches and charge across “no man’s land”
Trenches (Con’t)
Trench warfare creates a stalemate in France that neither army can break
Combined with the new technology of the war, this creates massive casualties that have never been seen before
The Daily Grind
1. Clean Rifle2. Eat Breakfast (unofficial truce)3. Complete Daily Chores -refilling of sandbags, repair the duckboards, and the draining of trenches. 4. Sleep, write letters, etc.5. Wait for nightfall (most action happened then)
Goals of homefront organizations
Raising money for the war
$35.5 billion spent on the war 1/3 from taxes
Progressive Income
Taxes on tobacco, liquor, and luxury goods
The rest from bonds “Liberty” and “Victory”
Loans
Gaining public support for the war
American Industry
War Industries Board Encourage mass production Eliminate waste Set up production quotas and distributed raw materials Bernard Baruch, set up in 1917
Impact on Labor American industry grows by 20% Largely responsible for allied victory in the
war With so many white men off to war,
women and blacks found many jobs in the factories
Conservation of Resources
Food Administration Herbert Hoover Set crop prices
and regulate food exports
Families conserve food, coal, gas Daylight savings
time Encourage
Americans to plant “victory gardens” to save food for the soldiers
Patriotism & Propaganda Committee on Public Information
Promote the war to American public Posters, paintings, cartoons, and speeches
George Creel (former muckraker) “Star Spangled Banner” sung at many public
occasions “100 percent Americanism” Support for the war is great Espionage Act (1917)
Punished anyone found guilty of helping the enemy, hindering recruitment, or inciting revolt.
Sedition Act (1918) Prohibited speech that was “disloyal, profane,
scurrilous, or abusive about the government, flag, Constitution or armed forces.”
End of the War
Russia pulls out of war in 1917 Germans concentrate forces and make a
push on the western front U.S. troops arrive just in time
Chateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood, and 2nd Marne No invasion or decisive battle (war of
attrition)
Armistice Day
• November 11, 1918 Armistice day (cease fire)
• 48,000 U.S. dead in battle, 62,000 of disease
• 22 Million total deaths in Europe
How to Solve the Peace???
What were the long-term and immediate causes of war? Explain briefly.
How should a peace treaty have resolved these problems?
Wilson’s 14 Points
January 1918 Wilson presents his plan for peace (Intended end the causes that had begun the war in the first place)
Proposed an international organization called the League of Nations to preserve peace in the worldThe 14 points truly express Wilson’s optimism and idealism
1. Self determination (personal independence) of all peoples
2. Arms reduction
3. Non-punishment
4. Formation of the League of Nations
5. Freedom of the Seas
6. No secret treaties
7. Free and open trade
Ideals in Wilson’s Fourteen Points
Peace in Paris
United States - primarily concerned with maintaining world peace Woodrow Wilson
France – punish Germany Georges Clemenceau
Italy – gain land and spoils of war Vittorio Orlando
Britain – punish Germany, not as bad as France David Lloyd George
The “Big Four” have a difficult time compromising on the right course of action for Europe and the world
Germany blamed, demilitarized, forced to pay reparations ($33 billion)Treaty written without German representationAnschluss (Combining of Germany and Austria) forbidden foreverLeague of Nations created but Germany not admitted
Treaty of Versailles
Map altered with little regard for ethnic or true national boundaries
Poland created out of Germany and Russia
France given the Alsace Lorraine province
Czechoslovakia created out of Germany and Austria-Hungary
Yugoslavia created by combining Montenegro, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, and other small territories
Austria-Hungary broken up
England received mandates territorial holdings in the Middle East from the Ottoman Empire
Treaty of Versailles
Disagreement over the league
No L.O.N. Fear of war w/out
Congressional approval
U.S. involvement in issues beyond its concern
Henry Cabot Lodge
For the L.O.N.
Claim that cooperation among nations would create peace
Wilson’s idea and U.S. as a world leader
Franklin Roosevelt
Wilson and the League
Wilson attempted to convince the American public and U.S. Congress to pass a treaty allowing the League of Nations Partisanship –rivalry among political parties-
defeats the L.O.N. Wilson collapses from exhaustion and suffers
a stroke days later Congress never passes the treaty League of Nations begins without the support
of the United States
The Ideal League The League in Practice
All nations should be members. Not all nations were members (eg. USA and Russia).
All nations should be equal partners in the League.
Not equal partners because major powers made decisions in the Council.
The League should be able to make decisions quickly and easily.
League structure was weak, disagreement caused delays.
National interests should be second to the league’s interests.
Nations were more interested in their OWN affairs, especially after 1929 with the economic crisis.
•Members should obey the League’s sanctions: The Moral Sanction.•The Economic Sanction.•The Military Sanction.
It was ignored (eg. Japan in Manchuria – 1931). Offenders could trade with none League members (eg. Abyssinia Crisis – 1935/6).It wasn't realistic to use violence to stop violence.
The Ideal versus Real League of Nations
