Download Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt – Foreign Policy The

The Spanish-American War
• The Spanish-American War was a war between Spain and the United
States of America.
• The war was fought mostly in Cuba and the Philippines (Spanish colonies).
Reasons (causes) for the Spanish American War?
• $$Protection of American business interests in Cuba $$ (mostly sugar)
• Support of Cuban rebels fighting for independence from Spain
• Sinking of the U.S.S. Maine.
• Yellow Journalism - Exaggerated news reports of events trying to sell more
newspapers
Results of the Spanish American War?
• US emerged as a world power.
• Cuba gained independence from Spain.
• US acquired the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico (Spain lost, so the U.S.
got its colonies).
Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt – Foreign Policy
The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
asserted the United States’ right to interfere in the economic matters of other nations in the
Americas We can go into other countries if our business interests are threatened, not just if
they threatening war.
claimed the United States’ right to exercise international police power –the U.S. would be the
police force for the Western Hemisphere (North and South America).
advocated Big Stick Diplomacy (building the Panama Canal). Columbia wouldn’t sell us the
right to build a canal across Panama, so we helped Panama have a revolution and get
independence from Columbia, then we made a canal deal with the new country.
“Speak softly and carry Big Stick.”
Other notes –
US bought Alaska from Russia for just $7.2 million.
US businessmen overthrew Hawaii’s queen in 1893, and Hawaii was annexed by the U.S. in
1898.
Imperialism means building an empire, ruling other countries as colonies.
History Games Page (with practice games and a practice test)