Becoming a World Becoming a World Power: 1890-1915Power: 1890-1915

Section 1: The Pressure to Section 1: The Pressure to ExpandExpand

An industrial powerhouse with a booming An industrial powerhouse with a booming population, America turned its focus on becoming population, America turned its focus on becoming a world power at the turn of the century.a world power at the turn of the century.

ImperialismImperialism Imperialism- stronger nations dominate and Imperialism- stronger nations dominate and

control weaker ones in attempt to create an control weaker ones in attempt to create an empire.empire.

Historical examples: Roman Empire, Mongolian Historical examples: Roman Empire, Mongolian Empire, Ottoman Empire, British Empire. Empire, Ottoman Empire, British Empire.

British EmpireBritish Empire ““The sun never sets on the British Empire.”The sun never sets on the British Empire.”

Territories that have been, or remain, part of the British Empire.

Why Imperialism GrewWhy Imperialism Grew

Imperialistic activity increased in the late Imperialistic activity increased in the late 1800s for several reasons…1800s for several reasons…– Economic factorsEconomic factors: need for resources: need for resources– Nationalistic factorsNationalistic factors: feelings of national : feelings of national

superioritysuperiority– Military factorsMilitary factors: Navies needed bases for fuel : Navies needed bases for fuel

and supplies.and supplies.– Humanitarian factorsHumanitarian factors: Western civilizations : Western civilizations

often thought it their duty to spread their often thought it their duty to spread their culture, law, and religion to other countries.culture, law, and religion to other countries.

George Washington’s George Washington’s AdviseAdvise

In his farewell address in 1796, George In his farewell address in 1796, George Washington warned Americans to avoid foreign Washington warned Americans to avoid foreign conflicts and “entanglements” and to “steer conflicts and “entanglements” and to “steer clear of permanent alliances”clear of permanent alliances”

These values molded early America, and for the These values molded early America, and for the next 100 years.next 100 years.

Monroe DoctrineMonroe Doctrine Beginning in the 1820s, Beginning in the 1820s,

America embraced the America embraced the anti-imperialist “Monroe anti-imperialist “Monroe Doctrine” named after a Doctrine” named after a policy of president policy of president James Monroe.James Monroe.

The Monroe Doctrine The Monroe Doctrine declared the US neutral declared the US neutral in all European wars and in all European wars and warned European warned European powers not to interfere powers not to interfere with North or South with North or South America.America.

Monroe DoctrineMonroe Doctrine

Sign reads, “all guests are welcome, but they must not bring their guns”

Manifest DestinyManifest Destiny

The US showed early glimpses of its own imperialism. The US showed early glimpses of its own imperialism. Manifest Destiny: it was the destiny of the U.S. to Manifest Destiny: it was the destiny of the U.S. to

control Atlantic to Pacific Oceanscontrol Atlantic to Pacific Oceans

Arguments for U.S. Arguments for U.S. ExpansionExpansion

By the 1890s, many Americans argued for By the 1890s, many Americans argued for increased involvement in international affairs, increased involvement in international affairs, despite the US’s history of isolationism. despite the US’s history of isolationism.

Economic GrowthEconomic Growth

Rapid industrial growth created an overproduction Rapid industrial growth created an overproduction of food and goods.of food and goods.

Businesses and workers argued that the US needed Businesses and workers argued that the US needed to secure new markets abroad to sell goods.to secure new markets abroad to sell goods.

Banana RepublicsBanana Republics In some cases, American In some cases, American

businesses were already invested businesses were already invested in other countries.in other countries.

United Fruit Company provided United Fruit Company provided financial services to the Costa financial services to the Costa Rican government in exchange Rican government in exchange for long-term leases on land.for long-term leases on land.

By 1913, United Fruit Company By 1913, United Fruit Company was exporting 50 million banana was exporting 50 million banana bunches to the US per year and bunches to the US per year and played a significant role in the played a significant role in the governments and economies of governments and economies of several Central American several Central American economies, which came to be economies, which came to be known as “banana republics”. known as “banana republics”.

Protecting American Protecting American SecuritySecurity

In the 1880s, the US In the 1880s, the US

Navy was far inferior to Navy was far inferior to that of European powers.that of European powers.

Many argued for a larger, Many argued for a larger, more modern navy.more modern navy.

A powerful navy not only A powerful navy not only allowed for the possibility allowed for the possibility of imperialism, but also of imperialism, but also created a new need for created a new need for naval bases around the naval bases around the world.world.

New FrontiersNew Frontiers Some believed that America needed a new frontier since they Some believed that America needed a new frontier since they

had already expanded the whole way to the Pacific Ocean.had already expanded the whole way to the Pacific Ocean. The challenge of a new frontier, they argued, created energy The challenge of a new frontier, they argued, created energy

and passion on which the country thrived. and passion on which the country thrived. Still others cited social Darwinism to justify taking over new Still others cited social Darwinism to justify taking over new

territories; survival of the fittest.territories; survival of the fittest.

Spreading Western Civilization:Spreading Western Civilization:“White Man’s Burden”“White Man’s Burden”

Many Americans believed that it was Many Americans believed that it was their duty to spread modern their duty to spread modern civilization and Christianity to civilization and Christianity to “heathen” or “savage” peoples “heathen” or “savage” peoples around the world.around the world.

Even many intellectuals at the time Even many intellectuals at the time believed that certain racial and believed that certain racial and national groups were biologically national groups were biologically superior to others.superior to others.

White Man’s BurdenWhite Man’s Burden White Man’s Burden, written by Rudyard Kipling, assumed White Man’s Burden, written by Rudyard Kipling, assumed

the racial supremacy of whites and came to embody the the racial supremacy of whites and came to embody the “noble” justifications of imperialism: to liberate and civilize “noble” justifications of imperialism: to liberate and civilize the poor savages of other countries.the poor savages of other countries.“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--And reap his old reward:The blame of those ye better,The hate of those ye guard--The cry of hosts ye humour(Ah, slowly!) toward the light:--"Why brought he us from bondage,Our loved Egyptian night?"

“The White Man’s Burden.”

White Man’s BurdenWhite Man’s Burden

Remnants of this kind Remnants of this kind of thinking remain of thinking remain today, even in our well-today, even in our well-intentioned efforts of intentioned efforts of humanitarian aid and humanitarian aid and church missions.church missions.

Many believe that Many believe that developed, western developed, western governments often do governments often do more harm than good more harm than good even when trying to even when trying to “help”.“help”.

ExpansionExpansion

Over time, these various arguments Over time, these various arguments gained traction throughout the gained traction throughout the country and within government and country and within government and the United States began to move the United States began to move toward foreign involvement and toward foreign involvement and expansionism. expansionism.

Arguments for ImperialismArguments for Imperialism

Section 2: Spanish-American Section 2: Spanish-American WarWar

The Spanish-American War was America’s first major step The Spanish-American War was America’s first major step towards imperialism and changed its role in world affairs forever.towards imperialism and changed its role in world affairs forever.

A war created, sustained, and shaped by journalists.A war created, sustained, and shaped by journalists.

Spanish-American WarSpanish-American War““I should welcome almost any war, for I I should welcome almost any war, for I think this country needs one.” think this country needs one.”

––Theodore “Teddy” Theodore “Teddy” RooseveltRoosevelt

Teddy Roosevelt thought that America needed a new challenge, an adventure for young men and a unifying cause for the nation to rally behind.

The Cuban RebellionThe Cuban Rebellion

Cuba was a colony of Cuba was a colony of Spain.Spain.

Cubans rebelled in Cubans rebelled in 1895.1895.

Spain sent 150,000 Spain sent 150,000 troops to put down the troops to put down the rebellion.rebellion.

““Reconcentration” Reconcentration” camps. camps.

General Weyler General Weyler

Spanish General Valeriano Weyler

CubaCuba In the prison camps over In the prison camps over

200,000 Cubans died over 2 200,000 Cubans died over 2 years due to disease and years due to disease and starvation.starvation.

Cuban exiles living in US, led Cuban exiles living in US, led by Jose Marti, urged US to by Jose Marti, urged US to intervene.intervene.

US government refused to help.US government refused to help. Cuban guerrillas began Cuban guerrillas began

destroying American sugar destroying American sugar plantations in Cuba to pressure plantations in Cuba to pressure US government to help.US government to help.

Yellow JournalismYellow Journalism

Yellow Journalism fueled support for the war.Yellow Journalism fueled support for the war.– Joseph PulitzerJoseph Pulitzer: New York World: New York World– William Randolph Hearst: William Randolph Hearst: New York Morning New York Morning

JournalJournal Featured articles that exaggerated horrific acts Featured articles that exaggerated horrific acts

that Spanish soldiers performed against Cubans.that Spanish soldiers performed against Cubans.

Hearst to photographer: “you provide the pictures, I’ll furnish the war”

The de Lome letterThe de Lome letter

US newspapers published a letter intercepted from US newspapers published a letter intercepted from Dupuy de Lome, a Spanish ambassador to Dupuy de Lome, a Spanish ambassador to Washington.Washington.

Letter called President McKinley weak, angering Letter called President McKinley weak, angering Americans.Americans.

Explosion of U.S.S. MaineExplosion of U.S.S. Maine Weeks after the letter, on Weeks after the letter, on

February 15, 1898, the February 15, 1898, the U.S.S. Maine, a US warship U.S.S. Maine, a US warship sank off the coast of Cuba.sank off the coast of Cuba.

The explosion/sinking was The explosion/sinking was likely caused by an likely caused by an accidental fire.accidental fire.

Newspapers and the Newspapers and the American public American public immediately blamed Spain immediately blamed Spain for the explosion.for the explosion.

Enraged, the US public Enraged, the US public called for war.called for war.

U.S.S. MaineU.S.S. Maine

PhilippinesPhilippines The Philippines were also under Spanish possession at the time.The Philippines were also under Spanish possession at the time. The Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, felt The Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, felt

that Philippines would be a key naval base in the Pacific.that Philippines would be a key naval base in the Pacific. Teddy Roosevelt secretly messaged naval commanders in the Teddy Roosevelt secretly messaged naval commanders in the

Pacific to prepare for war with Spain. Pacific to prepare for war with Spain.

WarWar

In attempt to avoid war, McKinley sent In attempt to avoid war, McKinley sent a list of demands to Spain.a list of demands to Spain.– Compensation for the Compensation for the U.S.S. MaineU.S.S. Maine– A truce in CubaA truce in Cuba– Cuban independenceCuban independence

Spain, also hoping to avoid war, agreed Spain, also hoping to avoid war, agreed to all but Cuban independence.to all but Cuban independence.

On April 11, Congress recognized Cuban On April 11, Congress recognized Cuban independence and declared war on independence and declared war on Spain.Spain.

Action in PhilippinesAction in Philippines

The first action took place in the The first action took place in the Philippines, not in Cuba.Philippines, not in Cuba.

On May 1, US forces launched a On May 1, US forces launched a surprise attack on Spanish ships.surprise attack on Spanish ships.

Destroyed Spain’s entire Pacific fleet Destroyed Spain’s entire Pacific fleet in seven hours.in seven hours.

Teddy Roosevelt and the Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough RidersRough Riders

Teddy and the volunteer “Rough Riders” became war heroes. Teddy and the volunteer “Rough Riders” became war heroes. Charge on San Juan HillCharge on San Juan Hill Became the celebrities of thew war, even though they Became the celebrities of thew war, even though they

experienced little battle action.experienced little battle action.

““A Splendid Little War”A Splendid Little War”

The Spanish fleet tried to escape on July 3, The Spanish fleet tried to escape on July 3, but the US Navy sank every Spanish ship, but the US Navy sank every Spanish ship, ending the war and setting off wild ending the war and setting off wild celebrations throughout the US. celebrations throughout the US.

The war lasted only 2 months.The war lasted only 2 months. 2,500 Americans died, but only 400 in 2,500 Americans died, but only 400 in

battle. Most died of disease or food battle. Most died of disease or food poisoning.poisoning.

Secretary of State John Hay called it “a Secretary of State John Hay called it “a splendid little war”splendid little war”

The Treaty of ParisThe Treaty of Paris

Spain recognized Cuba’s independence and gave the Spain recognized Cuba’s independence and gave the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the US for $20 Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the US for $20 million.million.

These islands became “unincorporated” territories of These islands became “unincorporated” territories of the US.the US.

The annexation of the new territories barely passed The annexation of the new territories barely passed the two-thirds vote in the senate.the two-thirds vote in the senate.

Dilemma in PhilippinesDilemma in Philippines Filipino rebels had fought Filipino rebels had fought

alongside American troops alongside American troops against Spain with the against Spain with the expectation that US victory expectation that US victory would give them their would give them their independence.independence.

Instead, after the war the US Instead, after the war the US annexed the island.annexed the island.

Filipino rebel leader Emilio Filipino rebel leader Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the Aguinaldo proclaimed the Philippines an independent Philippines an independent republic in January 1899. republic in January 1899.

America ignored him.America ignored him.

War in PhilippinesWar in Philippines War between the US and the Philippines broke out and lasted War between the US and the Philippines broke out and lasted

for three years.for three years. 4,000 Americans were killed.4,000 Americans were killed. Americans killed 16,000 Filipino rebels and 200,000 Filipino Americans killed 16,000 Filipino rebels and 200,000 Filipino

civilians.civilians. The Philippines did not gain independence until 1946.The Philippines did not gain independence until 1946.

Cuba’s FateCuba’s Fate

Congress attached an amendment, Congress attached an amendment, called the Teller Amendment, to the called the Teller Amendment, to the resolution of Cuban independence, resolution of Cuban independence, promising not to annex Cuba.promising not to annex Cuba.

US involvement didn’t end after the US involvement didn’t end after the war, however.war, however.

Set up a military government in Set up a military government in Cuba.Cuba.

CubaCuba

Feeling betrayed, that the US had simply Feeling betrayed, that the US had simply replaced Spain, Cubans began to draft a replaced Spain, Cubans began to draft a constitution that did not allow American constitution that did not allow American involvement.involvement.

US agreed to withdraw troops only if US agreed to withdraw troops only if Cubans included the Platt Amendment in Cubans included the Platt Amendment in their constitution.their constitution.

Platt Amendment required Cuba to allow Platt Amendment required Cuba to allow US naval bases on the island and to US naval bases on the island and to intervene in the country when necessary.intervene in the country when necessary.

Puerto RicoPuerto Rico United States had brief military government United States had brief military government

before pulling out.before pulling out. Puerto Rico remains a US territory today. Puerto Rico remains a US territory today.

Annexation of HawaiiAnnexation of Hawaii

The leader of Hawaii, The leader of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani, Queen Liliuokalani, strongly opposed U.S. strongly opposed U.S. control of the islands.control of the islands.

In 1893, pineapple In 1893, pineapple planter Sanford B. Dole planter Sanford B. Dole and the United States and the United States Marines removed Marines removed Liluokalani from power.Liluokalani from power.

In 1898, Congress In 1898, Congress approved the annexation approved the annexation of Hawaii. of Hawaii.

Open Door to ChinaOpen Door to China

China represented a huge market considered China represented a huge market considered crucial to the expansion of American trade.crucial to the expansion of American trade.

John Hay, Secretary of State, worried that other John Hay, Secretary of State, worried that other European powers would close off trade in China.European powers would close off trade in China.

Hay proposed an “Open Door Policy” to other Hay proposed an “Open Door Policy” to other powers, trying to ensure that the U.S. would have powers, trying to ensure that the U.S. would have equal access to Chinese trade.equal access to Chinese trade.

World Map: Size according to World Map: Size according to PopulationPopulation

Boxer RebellionBoxer Rebellion

Many Chinese resented foreign influence.Many Chinese resented foreign influence. In 1900, a secret Chinese society called the Righteous In 1900, a secret Chinese society called the Righteous

and Harmonious Fists ( “Boxers”) started a rebellion.and Harmonious Fists ( “Boxers”) started a rebellion. The Boxers massacred 300 foreigners and Christian The Boxers massacred 300 foreigners and Christian

Chinese.Chinese.

Effect of “Boxer” RebellionEffect of “Boxer” Rebellion

Secretary Hay worried that Secretary Hay worried that other imperialist countries other imperialist countries would use the “Boxer” would use the “Boxer” Rebellion as an excuse to Rebellion as an excuse to seize greater control of seize greater control of China.China.

He issued a second series of He issued a second series of Open Door notes, Open Door notes, reemphasizing the reemphasizing the importance of open trade in importance of open trade in China and the U.S. intention China and the U.S. intention to preserve it.to preserve it.

Section 3: A New Foreign Section 3: A New Foreign PolicyPolicy

Given all of America’s international activity in the Given all of America’s international activity in the late 1890s, the U.S. entered the 20late 1890s, the U.S. entered the 20thth century as a century as a genuine world power and with a new, interventionist genuine world power and with a new, interventionist foreign policy.foreign policy.

The Panama CanalThe Panama Canal

Americans desired a shorter route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.Americans desired a shorter route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. A canal across Central America would cut distance.A canal across Central America would cut distance. Panama was an ideal location for the canal.Panama was an ideal location for the canal. At the time, Panama was a province of Colombia.At the time, Panama was a province of Colombia.

Panama’s Independence Panama’s Independence Columbia refused to negotiate with the U.S.Columbia refused to negotiate with the U.S. Now President, Teddy Roosevelt, encouraged Now President, Teddy Roosevelt, encouraged

Panama to revolt for their independence.Panama to revolt for their independence. The revolt took place in 1903 with U.S. The revolt took place in 1903 with U.S.

warships waiting offshore to support the warships waiting offshore to support the rebels.rebels.

America immediately recognized Panama as America immediately recognized Panama as an independent country and in return an independent country and in return Panama signed the Panama signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla TreatyHay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, , giving the U.S. a permanent land grant to giving the U.S. a permanent land grant to build their canal.build their canal.

Panama CanalPanama Canal Construction of the canal began Construction of the canal began

in 1904 and lasted until 1914.in 1904 and lasted until 1914. The canal was a huge The canal was a huge

undertaking and operated with a undertaking and operated with a system of locks and channels.system of locks and channels.

Roosevelt’s Big Stick Roosevelt’s Big Stick DiplomacyDiplomacy

Roosevelt said his foreign policy was… Roosevelt said his foreign policy was…

““speak softly and carry a big stick.”speak softly and carry a big stick.” Roosevelt believed that if the U.S. displayed military and Roosevelt believed that if the U.S. displayed military and

economic power, the rest of the world would obey without economic power, the rest of the world would obey without resistance or conflict.resistance or conflict.

Roosevelt CorollaryRoosevelt Corollary Roosevelt issued messages to Roosevelt issued messages to

Congress that became known Congress that became known as the Roosevelt Corollary, an as the Roosevelt Corollary, an extension of the Monroe extension of the Monroe Doctrine.Doctrine.

Roosevelt denied that the U.S. Roosevelt denied that the U.S. was interested in acquiring new was interested in acquiring new territories, but that they would territories, but that they would intervene to “stabilize” political intervene to “stabilize” political and economic affairs in South and economic affairs in South and Central America.and Central America.

This signified a very formal shift This signified a very formal shift from American isolationism to from American isolationism to interventionism. interventionism.

RooseveltRoosevelt Under Roosevelt, U.S. Under Roosevelt, U.S.

intervention in Latin intervention in Latin America became common.America became common.

This angered many Latin This angered many Latin Americans as well Americans as well congress, who felt congress, who felt Roosevelt’s independent Roosevelt’s independent foreign policies foreign policies strengthened his powers strengthened his powers while undermining the while undermining the authority of congress.authority of congress.

Taft: “Dollar Diplomacy”Taft: “Dollar Diplomacy” Elected president in 1908, William Howard Taft Elected president in 1908, William Howard Taft

was not as aggressive as Roosevelt in his foreign was not as aggressive as Roosevelt in his foreign policy.policy.

Promoted economic control over military control.Promoted economic control over military control. Wanted to “substitute dollars for bullets”.Wanted to “substitute dollars for bullets”.

– ““Dollar Diplomacy”Dollar Diplomacy”

Woodrow Wilson: “moral Woodrow Wilson: “moral diplomacy”diplomacy”

The next president was Woodrow The next president was Woodrow Wilson.Wilson.

Amidst a bloody Mexican Amidst a bloody Mexican revolution, many encouraged revolution, many encouraged Wilson only to protect U.S. Wilson only to protect U.S. investments.investments.

Wilson believed Mexican Wilson believed Mexican revolutionary, Victoriano Huerta, revolutionary, Victoriano Huerta, to be a tyrannical “butcher”.to be a tyrannical “butcher”.

U.S. must intervene to stop U.S. must intervene to stop Huerta on moral grounds.Huerta on moral grounds.

Became known as Wilson’s Became known as Wilson’s “moral diplomacy”.“moral diplomacy”.

Francisco “Pancho” VillaFrancisco “Pancho” Villa The U.S. withdrew from Mexico after replacing Huerta with a new The U.S. withdrew from Mexico after replacing Huerta with a new

leader, Venustiano Carranza. leader, Venustiano Carranza. Francisco “Pancho” Villa, a peasant rebel, was furious with the U.S. Francisco “Pancho” Villa, a peasant rebel, was furious with the U.S.

support of Carranza.support of Carranza. Began terrorizing Americans in Mexico and raiding U.S. border towns.Began terrorizing Americans in Mexico and raiding U.S. border towns. In 1916, his men burnt down Columbus, New Mexico.In 1916, his men burnt down Columbus, New Mexico.

Gen. John “Black Jack” Gen. John “Black Jack” PershingPershing

Wilson sent General John Wilson sent General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing J. “Black Jack” Pershing and 5,000 U.S. to Mexico and 5,000 U.S. to Mexico to pursue Villa.to pursue Villa.

After many bloody After many bloody clashes between clashes between Pershing’s forces and Pershing’s forces and regular Mexican troops, regular Mexican troops, Wilson withdraws troops.Wilson withdraws troops.

Pershing’s troops never Pershing’s troops never actually found Villa. actually found Villa.

Sec. 4: Debating America’s Sec. 4: Debating America’s New RoleNew Role

While United States’ new, imperial role in the world excited While United States’ new, imperial role in the world excited many Americans, others were strongly opposed to the new many Americans, others were strongly opposed to the new level of international involvement. level of international involvement.

Anti-ImperialistsAnti-Imperialists In 1898, opponents of U.S. In 1898, opponents of U.S.

policy in the Philippines policy in the Philippines established the Anti-established the Anti-Imperialist League.Imperialist League.

Many of the organizers Many of the organizers were well-known leaders of were well-known leaders of society.society.

Politician William Jennings Politician William Jennings Bryan, settlement house Bryan, settlement house leader Jane Addams, and leader Jane Addams, and novelist Mark Twain were novelist Mark Twain were several.several.

Moral and Political Moral and Political ArgumentsArguments

Imperialism, they argued, was Imperialism, they argued, was a rejection of the nation’s a rejection of the nation’s foundation of “liberty for all.”foundation of “liberty for all.”

““We regret that it has become We regret that it has become necessary in the land of necessary in the land of Washington and Lincoln to Washington and Lincoln to reaffirm that all men, of reaffirm that all men, of whatever race or color, are whatever race or color, are entitled to life, liberty, and the entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” pursuit of happiness.”

––Carl Schurz (Republican Carl Schurz (Republican senator)senator)

Political ArgumentsPolitical Arguments Opponents also pointed out that “the Constitution must follow the flag”.Opponents also pointed out that “the Constitution must follow the flag”. Annexed territories should be entitled to the same rights as other U.S. Annexed territories should be entitled to the same rights as other U.S.

citizens.citizens. Samuel Gompers, famous labor union organizer, pointed out that most Samuel Gompers, famous labor union organizer, pointed out that most

of Hawaiians worked for much less than American laws required.of Hawaiians worked for much less than American laws required.

Breakdown of DemocracyBreakdown of Democracy

Opponents worried Opponents worried that imperialism that imperialism threatened the very threatened the very nature of democracy nature of democracy within the continental within the continental U.S.U.S.

The large standing The large standing armies that were used armies that were used to control new to control new colonies could also be colonies could also be used to crush dissent used to crush dissent at home.at home.

Racial ArgumentsRacial Arguments People saw racism as a People saw racism as a

cause, or justification, cause, or justification, of imperialism. of imperialism.

““Had the Filipinos been Had the Filipinos been white and fought as white and fought as bravely as they have, the bravely as they have, the war would have been war would have been ended and their ended and their independence granted a independence granted a long time ago.”long time ago.”

––Bishop Alexander Bishop Alexander Walters Walters (African American)(African American)

Racial ArgumentsRacial Arguments

Many white southerners actually Many white southerners actually opposed Imperialism opposed Imperialism becausebecause of of their racism.their racism.

They feared that taking on new They feared that taking on new territories would eventually mean territories would eventually mean different races and ethnicities of different races and ethnicities of people would move to the U.S.people would move to the U.S.

Economic ArgumentsEconomic Arguments Some thought expansion Some thought expansion

wasn’t economically viable.wasn’t economically viable. Maintaining new levels of Maintaining new levels of

armed forces would require armed forces would require additional taxation and additional taxation and possibly even mandatory possibly even mandatory military service.military service.

Samuel Gompers argued Samuel Gompers argued that laborers coming to that laborers coming to U.S. from annexed U.S. from annexed territories would also territories would also compete for American jobs.compete for American jobs.

Imperialism’s AppealImperialism’s Appeal Despite opposing Despite opposing

arguments, imperialism arguments, imperialism maintained a powerful maintained a powerful momentum in the momentum in the American public. American public.

In 1890, the American In 1890, the American frontier had officially frontier had officially been declared “closed”.been declared “closed”.

Imperialism seemed to Imperialism seemed to offer a new frontier for offer a new frontier for the country.the country.

Imperialism SupportersImperialism Supporters Most Americans thought the practical advantages of Most Americans thought the practical advantages of

expanded marketplaces, and strategic military expanded marketplaces, and strategic military opportunities outweighed the arguments for isolationism.opportunities outweighed the arguments for isolationism.

Unlike other empires, the U.S. “empire” has dominated primarily through economic control and foreign investment.

Great White FleetGreat White Fleet In 1907, Roosevelt sent the part of the U.S. Navy on a In 1907, Roosevelt sent the part of the U.S. Navy on a

cruise around the world.cruise around the world. The trip was meant to be an impressive display of the The trip was meant to be an impressive display of the

world’s most powerful navy ships. world’s most powerful navy ships. The ships made big impressions all around the world The ships made big impressions all around the world

and became known as the and became known as the Great White FleetGreat White Fleet. .

Imperialism Viewed from Imperialism Viewed from AbroadAbroad

Many annexed territories Many annexed territories became resentful of the became resentful of the America.America.

In Latin America, the cry In Latin America, the cry “Yankee, Go Home!” “Yankee, Go Home!” became popular.became popular.

Other nations began to Other nations began to recognize America’s new recognize America’s new power, and began turning power, and began turning to them for help.to them for help.