Becoming a World Power

Imperialism

Following Industrial Revolution, U.S. looks to expand globally.

By 1800’s, U.S. uses “Imperialism” as a reason to expand U.S. territory. Imperialism = stronger nations extend control

(politically, economic, & military) over weaker nations.

Imperialism had supporters & critics.

Imperialism

Reasons given for American Imperialism:

Economic Military Cultural

Foreign land = products needed to

settle = more industry needed

Show foreign powers strength of U.S.

Believed industrialized nations were superior

Get raw materials from new markets

Create strong U.S. navy to protect shipping lanes

Believed non-industrial nations were inferior.

Find new markets to sell American goods

Build U.S. military bases overseas

Belief in need to spread democracy &

Christianity

Imperialism

Criticism of U.S. imperialism seemed to center around: U.S. being a bully Expanding military at expense of defenseless people Making $$$ at expense of poor people Taking over poor countries, not helping them

With America stretching to Pacific, lands bordering Pacific are targeted through imperialism.

Two lands taken by U.S. during this stage were: Alaska Hawaii

Seward’s Ice Box

William Seward arranges to purchase Alaskan territory from Russia in 1867. Costs $7.2 million

U.S. annexes land in 1884, making it U.S. territory (not a U.S. state until 1959).

People criticize new purchase; refer to it as: “Seward’s Icebox” “Seward’s Folly”

Annexation of Hawaii

In the 1800’s, missionaries moved to the kingdom of Hawaii to convert locals to Christianity.

Descendants (sons/daughters) of missionaries stay in Hawaii; start sugar plantations By late 1800’s wealthy American planters dominate

Hawaiian economy.

Queen Liliuokalani tries to limit power of sugar plantations owners. Felt owners were taking advantage of Hawaiians

Annexation of Hawaii

Americans sugar planters feel threatened by queen’s move; look to remove her from power.

With help from U.S. Marines, Americans overthrow Queen Liliuokalani in 1893. After revolt, American planters ask for U.S. to annex

Hawaii Hawaii not officially annexed until 1898 (not a U.S.

state until 1959)

Homework #1 – 4/8/15

1. What is “imperialism”?2. Which criticism given is one you agree with

most about U.S. imperialism?3. Why were Hawaii and Alaska targeted by the

U.S. for expansion into the Pacific?4. Who owned Alaska before the U.S. purchased

it? How much did we pay?5. What 2 nicknames were given for Alaska’s

purchase?6. What does the U.S. do to annex Hawaii that

seemed unfair?

Yellow Journalism

Cuba (Spanish colony) begins a revolt to gain independence from Spain. U.S. stays out of conflict, but is concerned how war would

affect trade w/ Cuba.

As conflict continues, U.S. newspapers begin reporting about harsh treatment of Cubans by Spanish. Reports sparks outrage among American public.

President McKinley refuses to get involved w/ Cuban conflict; public pressure forces him to reconsider.

Yellow Journalism

Newspaper articles about Cuban conflict are later found to be inaccurate – yellow journalism is born.

Yellow journalism included: Exaggerating facts in hopes of gaining readers. Using misinformation to spread rumor/gain more

readership.

Two newspapers known best for this practice were: New York World (Joseph Pulitzer) New York Journal (William Randolph Hearst)

Yellow Journalism

Hearst famously declared “Bring me the pictures and I’ll bring you the war”.

Due to continued newspaper coverage, the American public persuades U.S. gov’t to act on Cuba.

President McKinley sends the U.S.S. Maine (battleship) to Cuba to protect U.S. citizens.

Yellow Journalism

On February 15, 1898, the Maine explodes and sinks in the harbor off Cuba. 266 sailors are killed in blast.

Newspapers run with the story, alleging that Spanish officials sabotage boat.

Investigation later concludes that explosion was an accident.

Yellow Journalism

Despite findings, American public wants revenge for lost lives of sailors.

U.S. publicly calls for Cuban independence – demands Spain withdraw from island. Spain cuts off diplomatic relations w/ U.S. Both sides brace for war

Yellow Journalism

First battle of Spanish-American war takes place in Philippines (Spanish colony) half-way across globe. U.S. Navy (Dewey) launches attack on Spanish navy. Destroys Spanish fleet in 7 hours. 360 Spanish sailors dead/wounded; no American lives

lost.

Spanish-American War continues in Caribbean: U.S. Navy blockades Cuba. 200,000+ U.S. troops invade Cuba, among them Teddy

Roosevelt. Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders” (1st Calvary unit) help U.S.

take control of Cuba; kick Spain off island.

Yellow Journalism

War concludes on August 12, 1898 w/ Spain signing peace treaty w/ U.S.

Under terms of treaty, Spain would: Grant Cuba independence. Give U.S. additional territory (Guam, Puerto Rico,

Philippines).

Homework #2 – 4/10/15

1. How would you describe what “yellow journalism” is?2. List a positive & negative about the use of “yellow

journalism”.3. What was the goal of the newspapers that used

“yellow journalism”?4. Explain how “yellow journalism” affected the

American public enough to drag the U.S. into the Spanish-American war.

5. What happened to the U.S.S. Maine? How did newspapers reports differ from the actual event? Why?

6. What did the U.S. gain from Spain following the Spanish-American War?

Expanding Interests

Japan had closed off it’s country to outside influences for 2 centuries (200 yrs.)

U.S. wanted access to Japan’s markets in 1850’s, so: Commodore Perry parks U.S. naval fleet outside Japan Through threat of force, Japan signs treaty opening

trade w/ U.S.

U.S. didn’t stop w/ Japan; wanted access to China as well.

Expanding Interests

U.S. & European nations create “spheres of influence” throughout Chinese region.

“Spheres of Influence” were areas of a region that foreign nations would claim: Special rights Economic privileges

To make sure everyone “shared” China’s markets, U.S. requests an “Open Door Policy”*. No country owns ALL trade w/ China (included U.S.)

Expanding Interests

Many Chinese were unhappy about the foreign presence in their country. Foreigners given special privileges Chinese traditions disrespected

A group of Chinese, called “Boxers”, rebel against foreign presence. Called Boxer Rebellion

Rebellion is put down by international force (8 nations, including U.S.). Remaining “Boxers” are executed.

Expanding Interests

As U.S. economy grows, quicker access to the Pacific is needed.

U.S. ships needed to sail around South America to reach Pacific ports; a shortcut was needed.

Best location for shortcut was in Panama (Central America).

Expanding Interests

Panama (newly independent) gives U.S. 10 mile stretch of land to build canal.

Construction lasted 8 years ($350-380 million cost) with a successful shortcut created. Shorter naval trips saves U.S. businesses & military

millions of $$$.

Expanding Interests

President Teddy Roosevelt (newly elected) believes: U.S. was the dominant power in Western

Hemisphere. U.S. should police Western Hemisphere

Roosevelt states that U.S. would “Speak softly but carry a big stick” while protecting Western Hemisphere. U.S. would use military force if our interests were

threatened.

Expanding Interests

Roosevelt reminds Europe of Monroe Doctrine (1823)*: * - Banned European nations from bothering Latin

America

Roosevelt also passes “Roosevelt Corollary” in 1905 to further Doctrine’s goal.

With Doctrine & Corollary in place, U.S. would Become “police force” for Western Hemisphere. View any European action in Latin America as a threat

to U.S. Defend Latin America as if it were U.S. soil.

Homework #3 – 4/14/15

1. What convinced Japan to open their trade markets with the U.S.?

2. Why did the U.S. create an “Open Door Policy” regarding trade with China?

3. Why were Chinese upset about the presence of foreign powers in their country?

4. Why was the Panama Canal necessary from the U.S. perspective?

5. What did President Roosevelt mean by his “speak softly…carry big stick” comment?

6. What would the U.S. do for the Western Hemisphere under the Monroe Doctrine/Roosevelt Corollary (3 tasks)?