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Imperialism
Imperialism – controlling another country
economically, politically, or militarily.
The big four, Great Britain, France, United
States, and Spain were still gaining strength, yet some
were losing grasp of what they once dominated.
Asia was a hot bed for imperialism. Japan had
its own interests and was trying to assert control,
while the West was eying China.
Industrialization – led to a need for a larger
market for American goods, China, Indochina, and
Latin America seemed ripe for our products.
Our assertions…
Fueling Factors For American
Imperialism
1. Competition – economic growth
depended upon expanded markets and
foreign investments.
2. Competition – political and military –
particularly a need for a strong navy to
protect shipment of goods.
3. Racism – a belief that those of AngloSaxon decent were superior to other
races, and our duty to impart our ways
upon others.
New Markets
1. Latin America – Honduras, Colombia,
and Nicaragua had resources that
American would use immediately, while
others also seemed to have investment
potential.
2. Asia – China, Indochina, and outlying
islands had large numbers of citizens,
who seemed in need of American goods.
3. Africa – had been under the control of
the French, English, and Spanish.
Military Growth
U.S. - had always tried to avoid “foreign
entanglements” but had noticed the rest of
the world’s capabilities and their own lack
of ability to compete.
Alfred T. Mahan – promoted military
expansion, especially the navy. Creator of
the Great White Fleet, used to intimidate
those who saw it. Created a Standing
army to protect America.
Offering Advancement
White Man’s Burden – was the prevailing
thought of the day, that it was the duty of
the Christian to pass his way of life to
those around the world, offering civilization
to developing nations.
Anti-imperialism – was the belief that
nothing justified dominating other
sovereign countries or the military build up
that was required to maintain that control.
One
Down
 Hawaii – becomes the first of many. Its
uses included: exotic location, convenient
location, and a people with far less
defense than will. The U.S. rushes to
adopt it as a state, as its people never
have the option offered to them.
CUBA!?!
 Close to home, with constant unrest and
rebellion from Spanish control.
 Large sugar plantations with cheap labor,
making for cheap prices.
 War for independence, led by Jose´
Marti´, put our relationships to the test.
 War was compounded by yellow
journalism. Sensational news for a
nation of dreamers.
 The De Lôme Letter – the insult that
brought the American public to life.
The Maine
 Parking in the bay, the U.S.S.
Maine experienced some difficulty.
 Papers quick to lay blame on the
Spanish, though without proof.
 Last straw with McKinley, war is
quickly declared by congress.
 What really happened?
Spanish, America, and Cuban War
First attack took place in the Philippines.
1. Location
2. Surprise
3. Great potential
4. Easy victory
5. Receptive population
NEXT!
Invading Cuba
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Rusty, rusty, rusty…
Outdated leadership
Outdated equipment
Wrong equipment
Inexperienced troops
Quick victory
WHITE FLAG
Treaty of Paris
The end to the “splendid little war.”
1. Cuba gains independence…
2. U.S. receives Puerto Rico and Guam…
3. U.S. buys the Philippines…
$20 million
What a deal!