chapter 7 becoming a world power 1872-1917 what role should the united states have in world affairs?

Chapter 7 Becoming a World Power

1872-1917

What role should the United States have in world affairs?

The Imperialists Vision

• Imperialism – the economic and political domination of a strong nation over weaker ones.

• Why was the U.S. interested in becoming an imperial power?– Tariffs and trade–Raw materials–New markets –Colonies and protectorates– European expansion

The Imperialists Vision, cont…

• Social Darwinism – only strong nations will survive.

• Anglo-Saxonism – English speaking nations had superior character, ideas, and systems of government.

• Manifest Destiny – God given destiny to expand overseas and spread its civilization to other people.– Missionary work

Imperialism Assignment• Read the Primary Source Documents (2

documents) and answer the questions at the end of each document.

Imperialism Review* Working alone or in groups of 2 or 3, write a

paragraph either defending American Imperialism at the turn of the century or arguing against American Imperialism. Refer to one or both of the documents, or to Section 1 of Chapter 7, to explain your opinion.

Section 1 The Imperialists Vision, cont…

• Powerful navy needed to protect merchant ships, trade routes, economic interests.• 1853 – America develops trade

relationship with Japan. By 1890 Japan has developed its own powerful navy and is creating its empire in Asia

Section 1 The Imperialists Vision, cont…

• Hawaii – Sugar – and the Marines– 1819 - Christian missionaries arrive from New England.– 1850’s - American settlers discover sugarcane grows well.– 1887 – Wealth planters pressure King to accept

constitution which limits his power.– 1890 – Congress passes tariff making Hawaiian sugar

expensive.– 1891 – Queen Liliuokalani takes throne, tries to reassert

power of monarchy.– 1893 – Wealthy planters and U.S. marines force her out.– 1898 – U.S. annexes Hawaii

Section 2 The Spanish – American War

• Cuba was a valuable colony for Spain and produced 1/3 of the worlds sugar. Until 1886, Spain enslaved nearly 1/3 of all Cubans and forced them to work on plantations.

• 1868 – Cuban rebels declare independence from Spain but revolution fails.

• U.S. develops strong economic ties with Cuba • 1895 - Cuba declares its independence from Spain

again.• U.S. remains neutral.

Section 2 The Spanish – American War, cont…

• America Supports Cuba– American Revolution– Yellow Journalism – Newspaper owners William

Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer – 200,000 Spanish troops arrive– General Weyler (the butcher)appointed governor – Rebels destroy American property in Cuba– Tens of thousands of Cubans die of starvation and

disease while held captive in “reconcentration camps”.


Calls for War• U.S. tries to remain neutral• Spanish Ambassador calls

President McKinley weak.• USS Maine sent to Havana Harbor

to evacuate American citizens• 2/15/1898 – Maine explodes and

is sunk. Cause unknown. • Congress authorizes money for

war.• jingoism – extreme nationalism

very high• Political pressure moves McKinley

to ask Congress to declare war.

The War Begins and Ends• May 1, 1898 - Commodore

George Dewey destroys Spanish fleet in Philippines.

• June 14, 1898 – American troops land near Santiago.

• Teddy Roosevelt and the “Rough Riders” attack Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill

• July 3, 1898 – Spanish fleet is destroyed in Cuba.

• Late July, 1898 – Spanish troops in Cuba surrender.


• An American Empire– Cuba gained its independence (limited)– Guam and Puerto Rico annexed by the U.S.• Inhabitants eventually gain U.S. citizenship

– After much debate, the Philippines are annexed. • Philippine rebels who fought against Spain now fought

against U.S.• U.S. used “reconcentration camps” like Spanish in Cuba.• Tens of thousands of Filipinos died from combat, disease, or

starvation.• 1946 – U.S. finally grants independence to Philippines.

Section 2 Assignment

• Using information from Section 2, write a paragraph arguing in favor of or against American intervention in Cuba in 1897. • Read the arguments on page 273, for and

against the annexation of the Philippines, and read The Debate Over Annexation on 273 and 274. Use this information to write a paragraph in favor of or against annexation of the Philippines.

Section 3New American Diplomacy

• Asia – The U.S. was a major power with many naval bases across the Pacific.

• Many European countries were exerting control over trade with China.

• President McKinley and Secretary of State John Hay created the Open Door policy, whereby all countries would be allowed to trade with China.

• Some secret Chinese organizations rebelled against the foreign control and started the Boxer Rebellion.

• After 200 foreigners were killed, 8 countries including the U.S. sent troops to China and put down the rebellion.

Section 3New American Diplomacy, cont…

• President McKinley is assassinated in Buffalo, New York by an anarchist. Teddy Roosevelt takes over.

• Roosevelt believed in American power and Anglo-Saxonism.

• Roosevelt was instrumental in ending a war between Japan and Russia.

• Roosevelt was famous for his saying of “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

The Panama Canal


• The Panama Canal– Roosevelt believed it was vital to American power.– A canal would save time and money.– Nicaragua and Panama were considered good options.– Panama became best option.– U.S. offered Columbia $10 million and $250,000 a year to

build through Panama. Columbia refused.– Some Panamanians used this as an opportunity to get their

independence from Columbia.– Roosevelt sent 10 warships to the area. – The U.S. recognized Panama’s independence and a treaty to

build a canal was signed.

The Panama Canal


• The Roosevelt Corollary – The U.S. would intervene in Latin American affairs when necessary to maintain economic and political stability in the Western Hemisphere.

• Dollar Diplomacy – Roosevelt’s successor, William Howard Taft’s policy of using American economic power to help Latin American development.