Unit 3: Imperialism & WWI
A. Rationales for Imperialism: 1. Ideological Arguments –
a. Social Darwinism: survival of the fittest
was the law of nations as well as a law of
nature.b. “White Man’s Burden” – responsibility
toextend the blessings of western rule
to less able peoplec. Missionaries – attempt to evangelize
the world
I. Roots of Imperialism
2. Strategic Concerns: a. Mahanism: stressed U.S. Naval,
economic,and territorial expansion
1) Alfred Mahan – The Influence of Sea Power
2) Large navy policy = demanded strategic
naval bases & cooling stations
3. Economic expansion through foreign trade
a. Create larger markets for America
A. Rationales for Imperialism continued…
A. Late 1800’s: U.S. takes a more aggressive role
in world affairs1. commercial opportunities (new markets
for growing industrial production)2. strategic necessities (desire for greater
military strength)3. national destiny (belief in cultural
superiority) * Monroe Doctrine: U.S. to control of the western hemisphere
II. First Steps Toward Imperialism
1. 1887 – U.S. control of Pearl Harbor 2. 1893 – U.S. Marines used to overthrow
Hawaiian government and establish a protectorate
3. 1898 – U.S. annexed Hawaii as a result of the Spanish-American War a. strategic stepping stone to
the Philippines
B. Hawaii
A. Cuban Revolution, 1895 1. Cubans revolted against oppressive Spanish rule – “reconcentration camps” 2. American economic interest threatened
III. Spanish American War of 1898
B. Yellow Press – sensationalized news that used exaggerated headlines & stories to stimulate interest a. Increased American interest in Cuba
Spanish American War of 1898 continued..
C. U.S. battleship Maine 1. blew up in the harbor of Havana, Cuba 2. U.S. declared war against Spain 3. Teller Amendment – U.S. had no intention of annexing Cuba
Spanish American War of 1898 continued..
D. War in the Philippines 1. U.S. Asiatic fleet led by Commodore Dewey a. destroyed the Spanish fleet
at Manila Bay
2. U.S. wanted the Philippines for its strategic location in Asia a. economic opportunities
in China
Spanish American War of 1898 continued..
E. War in Cuba 1. U.S. poor handling of the war a. 5,000 American soldiers died from spoiled food and disease b. Teddy Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders” c. U.S. took Puerto Rico with little opposition
Spanish American War of 1898 continued..
F. Treaty of Paris 1. Ended Spanish-American War a. Spain forced to accept Cuban independence, cede Puerto Rico, Guam, and Philippines to U.S.
2. Debate over ratification: a. Expansionist favored acquisition of Philippines for economic reasons b. Anti-Imperialist opposed based on moral and political traditions 3. Treaty was ratified 1899
Spanish American War of 1898 continued..
A. Filipino-American War, 1899 1. Emilio Aguinaldo – issued declaration of independence 2. Treaty of Paris – est. U.S. control 3. Brutal war between U.S. & Filipino nationalist until 1902
IV. American Imperialism in Asia
B. China & the Open Door Policy 1. foreign “spheres of influence” in China 2. U.S. “Open Door Policy” – wanted European imperial powers to allow commercial and financial activities all nations within their spheres of influence a. Russia & Japan opposed the policy
American Imperialism in Asia continued..
C. Russo-Japanese War, 1904 1. Japanese victory marked its emergence as an imperial power 2. Gentlemen’s Agreement- Japanese immigration to the U.S.
A. Cuba as a Protectorate 1. Platt Amendment – restricted Cuba’s autonomy in diplomatic relations with other countries and in internal financial policies B. Panama Canal 1. Treaty of Hay-Bunau-Varilla, 1904: a. Panama Canal Zone became a U.S. Protectorate b. Cut shipping cost, travel time, and increased U.S. military presence
V. American Imperialism in Latin America
C. Roosevelt Corollary, 1904 – attempted to justify U.S. intervention and authority in the region D. Dollar Diplomacy – President Taft 1. “substitution of dollars for bullets” a. encouraged American investments in Latin America b. tied underdeveloped countries to U.S. economically & strategically
American Imperialism in Latin America