Colonialism: The policy by which one nation controls a dependent area or people often by planting settlements.

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1 The Era of American Imperialism Imperialism: The policy of a strong nation expanding its territory by military conquest, political or economic domination, or colonization. Colonialism: The policy by which one nation controls a dependent area or people often by planting settlements. The simplest way to distinguish between these two is to think of colonialism as the practice and imperialism as the idea driving the practice.

2 U.S. acquisitions by means other than the Spanish-American War 1. Guano Islands Act (1856), Baker Island, Jarvis Island, Howland Island, Midway Atoll, Palmyra Atoll, and Johnston Atoll. 2. Alaska (1867), purchase from Russia. 3. Hawaii (1893), American settlers overthrew Queen Liliuokalani. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii. 4. American Samoa (1899). 5. Stepping stones across the Pacific. See driving forces below. The driving forces behind American Imperialism: 1. Needs of American Industry. American industry continued to grow tremendously. Many feared we would be shut out of Asian and African markets by European spheres of influence. Industrialists began to look abroad for: (a) new sources of raw materials. (b) additional markets for manufactured goods. (c) places to invest surplus capital. 2. Closing of the Frontier. By 1890 the Frontier West was considered closed. In his Frontier Thesis, Frederick Jackson Turner claimed the frontier had shaped the American character. Some saw his theory as a validation of imperialism. The American character needed a place to expand. Up to our own day American history has been in a large degree the history of the colonization of the Great West...The frontier is the line of the most rapid and effective Americanization...The frontier promoted the formation of a composite nationality for the American people...the legislation which most developed the powers of the national government, and played the largest part in its activity, was conditioned on the frontier...the pioneer needed the goods of the coast, and so the grand series of internal improvements and railroad legislation began, with potent nationalizing effects...but the most important effect of the frontier has been the promotion of democracy here and in Europe. As has been indicated, the frontier is productive of individualism...it produces antipathy to control, and particularly to any direct control...the frontier states that came into the Union in the first quarter of a century of its existence came in with democratic suffrage provisions, and had reactive effects of the highest importance upon the older states... Frederick Jackson Turner, "The Significance of the Frontier in American History," Example of European Nations. The major powers of Europe were engaged in imperialist ventures and competitions. Britain purchased control of the Suez Canal and established domination over Egypt. France annexed Indo-China. Russia secured border territories from China. Such developments stimulated American interest in empire building. 4. American Nationalism. In a renewed Manifest Destiny, expansionists urged that America assume its rightful place as a great power.

3 (a) (b) Captain Alfred Mahan, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History. Mahan urged the US to expand foreign markets, construct a powerful navy, and acquire overseas bases. Josiah Strong, Our Country. Claimed Anglo-Saxon superiority and the duty to spread those values. Followers believed they were extending the blessings of liberty and prosperity to less fortunate people (White Man s Burden and missionary work).

4 Spanish American War (1898) Events surrounding the conflict Cuban nationalists had been resisting Spanish rule since the 1860s. Although many Americans sympathized with the Cuban cause, the U.S. did not intervene in the series of revolutionary wars waged against Spain. The death of Jose Marti (political activist, poet, and revolutionary) in 1895 brought greater attention to the struggle for Cuba Libre. The Cuban rebellion was brutal on both sides. Most infamous was General Valeriano Butcher Weyler who ordered that Cuban civilians be placed in concentration camps. Americans were outraged. American newspapers, particularly those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, sought to increase newspaper circulation by sensational treatment of news and exaggerated stories of Spanish atrocities. This was called Yellow Journalism. When McKinley became President in 1896 (the year of the first modern Olympiad), he took more of a pro-cuban stance but still wanted to avoid war. This was to become increasingly difficult due to a growing cry for war amongst the general public and prominent individuals such as Assistant Secretary to the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt. Jingoism: the use of threats or actual force against other countries in order to safeguard national interests. This was also referred to as spreadeagleism (see prior political cartoon in notes on Imperialism). o In an 8 October 1895 New York Times interview, Roosevelt responded, "There is much talk about 'jingoism'. If by 'jingoism' they mean a policy in pursuance of which Americans will with resolution and common sense insist upon our rights being respected by foreign powers, then we are 'jingoes'." U.S. trade and commercial interests are unsettled and or jeopardized by the instability of the ongoing revolution. Further events that fanned the flames of war: o Dupuy delome letter. Spanish diplomat writes a letter critical of President McKinley. Press gets letter and it is published February 9, o Explosion of the U.S. Maine in Havana Harbor (February, ). Rallying cry now becomes Remember the Maine!

5 McKinley s Declaration of War McKinley finally yields to the public sentiment for war. On April 11, 1898, he requests a declaration of war from Congress. The forcible intervention of the United States as a neutral to stop the war... is justifiable on rational grounds... [which] may be briefly summarized as follows: First. In the cause of humanity and to put an end to the barbarities, bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries now existing there, and which the parties to the conflict are either unable or unwilling to stop or mitigate. It is no answer to say this is all in another country, belonging to another nation, and is therefore none of our business. It is specially our duty, for it is right at our door. Second. We owe it to our citizens in Cuba to afford them that protection and indemnity for life and property which no government there can or will afford, and to that end to terminate the conditions that deprive them of legal protection. Third. The right to intervene may be justified by the very serious injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people and by the wanton destruction of property and devastation of the island. Congress not only declared war on Spain but also recognized the independence of Cuba through the Teller Resolution (April 19, 1898), declaring that the United States would not annex Cuba but would leave "control of the island to its people."

6 "A Splendid Little War" In the Philippines, the U.S. fleet under Commodore George Dewey, destroyed the Spanish fleet at Manila. In Cuba, American forces captured Santiago after the Battle at San Juan Hill. Secretary of State John Hay called the Spanish-American conflict, "a splendid little war." Hostilities had ceased in August and had begun in April of the same year. The US suffered 6000 casualties. Most of these deaths were due to disease, specifically malaria, dysentery, and typhoid. One of the heroes of the war was Theodore Roosevelt. He resigned as Asst. Secretary to the Navy and become a colonel in the army. He led his unit, the roughriders, in a charge up Kettle Hill (a part of the Battle of San Juan Hill).

7 Terms of Peace Treaty of Paris, December 10, Puerto Rico and Guam ceded to the U.S. Spain surrendered all rights to Cuba. Spain surrendered the Philippines to the U.S. for $20 million dollars. The Philippines were to be occupied until their fate was determined. What to Do with the Philippines? The Desire for the Philippines what motivated the American decision to take the Philippines? o If we didn t take it, would others? o Commercial interests-gateway to China. o Strategic interests, stepping stones (Admiral Mahan). o Spirit of expansionism-the excitement of the US on world stage o White Man s Burden -Kipling/Public justification.

8 Anti-Imperialist League Mark Twain, William Jennings Bryan, Andrew Carnegie, Sam Gompers - arguments against taking Philippines: Competition for jobs and the undermining of the union movement. Violation of American principles (self-determinism). America would be burdened w/ imperialist problems. Militaristic how to defend the new empire. Possible involvement in non-american affairs. Rebellions in colonies.

9 The decision on the Philippines and resulting conflict McKinley eventually decides to keep the Philippines. o " The truth is I didn't want the Philippines, and when they came to us as a gift from the gods, I did not know what to do with them... I sought counsel from all sides - Democrats as well as Republicans - but got little help. I thought first we would take only Manila; then Luzon; then other islands, perhaps, also. I walked the floor of the White House night after night until midnight; and I am not ashamed to tell you, gentlemen, that I went down on my knees and prayed Almighty God for light and guidance more than one night." o "And one night late it came to me this way - I don't know how it was, but it came: (1) That we could not give them back to Spain - that would be cowardly and dishonorable; (2) that we could not turn them over to France or Germany - our commercial rivals in the Orient - that would be bad business and discreditable; (3) that we could not leave them to themselves - they were unfit for self-government - and they would soon have anarchy and misrule over there worse than Spain's was; and (4) that there was nothing left for us to do but to take them all, and to educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize and Christianize them, and by God's grace do the very best we could by them, as our fellow men for whom Christ also died. And then I went to bed and went to sleep and slept soundly." The consequence of the decision is an immediate uprising within the Philippine Islands. U.S. Army vs. Filipino rebels/freedom fighters. The Filipino resistance is led by Emilio Aguinaldo. He believed that the Filipinos would be given freedom once the U.S. defeated Spain. The Filipino Conflict (or Insurrection) lasted for several years, resulted in significant destruction of private property, and cost the lives of thousands of Filipinos (1 in every 5) and Americans (4,300). Results of the SA War: Ruling Puerto Rico Puerto Rico initially under military rule. Foraker Act (1900), Puerto Rico returns to civilian govt as a US territory. Results of SA War: Cuba reconsidered Platt Amendment (1901). Modified the Teller Amendment which had ensured a free Cuba. America couldn t just give Cuba independence, had to tie it to America (similar to ideology used in taking Philippines). Specifics of Platt Amendment o US could intervene if necessary o US could buy or lease bases

10 o Permanent treaty with the US o Military would leave when: Cuban Constitution defined future relations w/ the US No financial or diplomatic agreements that impaired independence The Road to the Open Door Notes With the acquisition of the Philippines. China becomes a much more practical market for American goods. Several European powers had already claimed Spheres of Influence in China with most of the major port cities coming under foreign control. John Hay, US Secretary of State, outlined US foreign policy in a series of notes to leaders of the other imperialist powers. These notes were an attempt to ensure the American vision of economic freedom and access throughout the world. Chinese response to growing European control: Boxer Rebellion - China rebels against European imperialism and influence.

11 American as a World Power: Foreign Policy Teddy Roosevelt: Roosevelt Corollary, Big Stick Diplomacy, Gunboat Diplomacy An American Empire rooted in American ideals. This meant Anglo-Saxon superiority, Christianity, and democracy. Necessities: strong Armed forces (especially Navy) and territorial possessions. Desire for a Canal in Central America. Need for a shorter route from East to West. Nicaragua or Panama? Colombia won't sell isthmus cheap enough, J. Hay strikes deal with local leader - claim Panamanian independence. Colombia moves to retain possession, Gun-boat diplomacy makes its debut. USS Nashville used to support the coup that creates Panama. Hay Bunau-Varilla Treaty signed on November 18, 1903 by the United States and Panama. This established the Panama Canal Zone. Treaty gives canal zone to U.S. in perpetuity. Teddy: "I took the canal zone and left Congress to debate". Canal started in 1905/completed in 1914.

12 Great White Fleet (1907) - tour of the world, witness to US might. The U.S. fleet as a projection of big stick diplomacy the big stick.

13 William H. Taft: Dollar Diplomacy Use economic power, by guaranteeing loans made to foreign countries, to further foreign policy. Taft wanted our foreign policy to be "peaceful and economic NOT "warlike and political." Continuation of principles of Roosevelt Corollary as it related to the expansion of the ideology of the Monroe Doctrine. Focus on stabilizing and controlling Central America and Caribbean: Used dollars in Honduras and Haiti. U.S. military and dollars in Nicarauga. Also heads up (with J.P. Morgan) investment in China s infrastructure (railroads). Woodrow Wilson: Missionary Diplomacy Looked at the world in terms of good and bad, right and wrong. American values of capitalism (free and open markets) and democracy would establish a new world order. Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Haiti (intervention/protectorate). Mexican Revolution (non-recognition, eventual intervention). A legacy that runs through these administrations from the aftermath of the Spanish American War are the Banana Wars (5:28).