IMPERIALISM AND THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR

BY : Almir Pjetrovic

Why did the U.S have greater global involvement in the late 1800s?There were many factors that led the US to become involved in the world. Some factors include :•New technology •Growth of Naval Power•Need for new markets •Manifest Destiny and closing of the frontier.•Social Darwinism

New Technology•The Telegraph-improved communications•Steam ships-Made transportation easier and quicker.

Telegraph was invented for the Morse code-allowed people to communicate quickly over distances.

New Technology•Produced interest in foreign land.•Steam ships cut down travel time in Europe and Asia.•Need for coaling stations in the Pacific Nation.•Telegraph cables across the ocean made easier and faster communication.•Conquest of people in Asia and Africa was made easier due to new and improved weapons.

Growth of Naval Power•Naval officers joined with business interest to convince congress to build modern steam – powered , steel-hulled ships to protect over seas trade.•Congress authorized building three cruisers and two battleships in 1883.•By 1900 U.S had one of the most powerful navies in the world.

USS Maine was built in

1883.

Need for New Markets•By the late 1800’s Americans could not consume all of the goods that we had produced. •Secretary of State , Blaine, said,• “We have developed a volume of

manufactures which, in many departments, overruns the demands of the home market . . . Our great demand is expansion. . . of trade with countries where we can find profitable exchanges.”

Closing of the Frontier•By 1853 the U.S posses land from the Atlantic Ocean to the pacific Ocean.•Therefore the US needed to imperialize to obtain new markets

Social Darwinism •“Survival of the fittest.”• A social theory which states that the level a person rises to in society and wealth is determined by their genetic background.

How did the U.S increase global participation?•Americans show interest in expanding into the Pacific.•Commodore Matthew Perry went to Japan to open trade relations with the U.S.•By the 1860’s U.S signed a series of treaties that allowed for more trader with China.•U.S controlled Pacific Islands to use for refueling and repairing Naval Vessels•U.S has trading treaty with Hawaii.

Yellow Journalism•the Battleship Maine exploded in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898•American public blamed the Spanish for the explosion even though there was no proof it was them.•On April 11th Congress authorized force against Spain, “Remember the Maine.” was it’s slogan

Involvement in Latin America•Cuba rebels against Spain and Spain responds by sending troops to Cuba.•Thousands of Cubans were forced into guarded camps where many died of disease and starvation (200 thousand)•American business owners in Cuba encouraged the U.S to act, to protect their economic interest.•American newspapers exaggerated events and stories in an effort to sell more newspapers.•These sensational Headlines increased U.S national pride and a desire for an aggressive farm policy.

Spanish American War•“A splendid little war.’’ Lasted only a couple of months.•U.S successfully invaded Cuba.•Rough Riders ,a voluntary Calvary was led by Theodore Roosevelt.•2500 Americans died but fewer then 400 died in battle•Americans gained control of Puerto Rico, Philippines , and Hawaii.

Open Door Policy•The U.S wanted equal access to China’s millions of consumers and a principle of open trade.

Panama Canal•U.S needed a shorter route from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans.•The Isthmus of Panama was and ideal location for a canal.

Panama Canal•Treaty between U.S and Panama gave the U.S control of a 10 mile wide strip of land for a canal zone.•Construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1914.•President Teddy Roosevelt supported the Panama Canal.

Roosevelt Corollary•An extension of the Monroe Doctrine.•If countries engaged in harmful activities to the U.S or if Governments collapsed, the U.S would get involved to prevent intervention from other powers.•Theodore Roosevelt the Big Stick Policy. “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” • The Big Stick was the United States Navy.

Anti-imperialists feelings•Imperialism rejects the nations foundation “Liberty for all.”•U.S had enough trouble at home and didn’t want to look for more.•Racism – some people believed that Anglo-Saxon heritage were better than other races.•Expansion was to expensive. Maintaining the necessary armed forces would require more taxes, debt, and military services.•Laborers coming from annexed territories would compete with American workers for jobs.

Multiple ChoiceWhich statement best describes President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy position toward Latin America in the early 1900’s?

1. The United States should reduce its involvement in Latin American affairs. 2. The Monroe Doctrine permits the United States to intervene actively in the affairs of Latin American nations. 3. Latin American nations should form an organization to help them achieve political and economic stability. 4. The United States should give large amounts of financial aid to help the poor of Latin America.

Multiple ChoiceOne important conclusion that can be drawn as a result of the United States experience in both the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Persian Gulf War (1991) is that

1. only the President should decide issues of war and peace 2. the media are a powerful influence in shaping American public opinion toward war 3. the public has little confidence in the ability of the American military 4. international organizations play a decisive role in determining the outcome of a war

Multiple ChoiceWhy did the United States formulate the Open Door policy toward China?1. to develop democratic institutions and practices in China 2. to prevent a European and Japanese monopoly of Chinese trade and markets 3. to establish a military presence on the Chinese mainland 4. to support Japanese efforts to industrialize China

Multiple ChoiceFrom 1900 to 1915, a basic aim of United States foreign policy was to1. develop close economic ties with African nations 2. oppose revolutionary movements in western Europe 3. promote United States influence in Latin America 4. prevent the spread of communism in western Europe and Asia

Multiple ChoiceInvolvement in the Spanish-American War, acquisition of Hawaii, and introduction of the Open Door policy in China were actions taken by the United States Government to

1. establish military alliances with other nations 2. gain overseas markets and sources of raw materials 3. begin the policy of manifest destiny 4. support isolationist forces in Congress