Download The American Empire II Unit 11 American Imperialism In 1898 the

THE AMERICAN EMPIRE II
UNIT 11
AMERICAN IMPERIALISM
In 1898 the United States went from a small regional power in North America, to an international imperialist power
controlling a vast amount of new territory: Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and a collection of small Pacific
Islands (Midway Island, Wake Island, etc). These new positions helped expand American markets into the Caribbean
and Asia growing international trade from the late 1800s to WWI in first era of a true “global economy” for the U.S.
PROTECTING OUR NEW POSITION
Concerned that the U.S. might be cut out of Chinese markets by stronger imperial power of Europe, the U.S. moved to
secure trade in the region
Open Door Policy (1899) - Secretary of State John Hay proposed a policy that would give all nations equal trading
rights in China to maintain a sphere of influence (an area which a state or organization has significant cultural,
economic, military or political influence) that most be respected by other nations
Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) – a rebellion started by secret Chinese societies to rid China of the “foreign
devils” and their Christian converts
- rebellion was quickly put down by a coalition of European and American powers  helped secure the
Open Door Policy among European nations and America
Philippine–American War (1899-1902) – following the U.S.’s acquisition of the Philippines from the Spanish in 1898,
Filipinos rebels led by Emilio Aguinaldo revolt against their new imperial masters involving 200,000 American
troops and causing 4,300 American deaths  twice as many deaths as the Spanish-American War
- after the war, William Howard Taft was sent to the islands as their new governor to prepare the islands for
future independence
American tactics in combating guerilla warfare (irregular warfare conducted by small groups using hit-and run tactics,
ambushes, and sabotage) resembled those used by the Spanish that the U.S. condemned in Cuba before the SpanishAmerican War raising many questions of should the U.S. be involved in the business of imperialism
Anti-Imperialist League – founded in 1898 to protest against the annexation of the Philippines and the brutal tactics
used by the United States to combat rebellions in our imperial holdings
- believed that American colonization and imperialism was unjust, but disappeared soon after America’s
involvement in World War I
Cuba Libre! (Free Cuba)
Still under American military rule, Cuba took steps towards independence drafting a constitution in 1901 without
mention of the United States  U.S. refuses to remove military troops unless Cuba involves it in their new government
Platt Amendment (1901) – forced part of the new Cuban constitution
1. that allowed the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs to protect American interests
2. prevented Cuba from signing treaties with other nations or go into debt
3. allow the U.S. to establish a naval base at Guantanamo Bay in southeast Cuba
- Cuba became an independent nation while being a protectorate (country whose affairs are overseen by a
stronger nations) of the United States
Insular Cases (1901) – court hearings that established that Constitutional rights are not guaranteed for U.S. territories
answering the then question: “Does the Constitution follow the flag?”  answer: No!
BIG STICK DIPLOMACY
Six months after winning the election of 1900, William McKinley travels to Buffalo, NY where he is assassinated by
Leon Czolgosz leaving the question of what to do with America’s new role in the world in the hands of his new vice
president: Theodore Roosevelt.
“Big Stick Diplomacy” – following America’s victory in the Spanish-American War that shocked the world, Roosevelt
believed showing America’s new naval force/power would help prevent war forcing other nations to secondguess military action against the United States.
- “Speak softly and carry a big stick” became Roosevelt’s policy in dealing with international affairs  the
big stick being the U.S. Navy
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The United States had long wanted a canal built through Central America for military and commercial shipping, but
problem is it was owned by Columbia that didn’t want to give it up so easily
- many in Panama wanted independence from Columbia so the U.S. backs a revolt started by Panama rebels
and recognizes the new Panama government within a few days
Panama Canal (1903) – construction of the canal begins a few weeks later and is completed in 1914 shortening
the trip from the Atlantic to the Pacific by 8,000 miles
Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) – Theodore Roosevelt plays arbiter (one who settles disputes) to the conflict
between Russia and Japan  an action that wins him the Nobel Peace Price in 1906  first president to do so
- soon after the treaty is signed, the Japanese begin to restrict American trade in many of their territories
displaying their naval power in the Pacific
- to show America’s strength, Roosevelt sent 16 of America’s finest battleships on a world tour around the
world known as the “Great White Fleet” from 1906-1907
Roosevelt Corollary (1904) – an addition to the Monroe Doctrine (1823 warning to Europe to stay out of the Americas),
this U.S. policy warned the use of military force to protect Caribbean/Central American nations from European
intrusions (going in where you’re not welcomed)
- the U.S. assumed a role as an international police force in dealing with conflicts between Caribbean/Central
American nations and Europe  intervening for Latin American nations that were indebted to Europe (ex.
Venezuela, Cuba, Dominican Republic)
TAFT AND WILSON’S FOREIGN POLICY
Dollar Diplomacy (1909) - President Taft urged American banks and businesses to invest in Latin American nations to
use economic leverage over their governments when dealing with civil unrest
- Taft sent military forces into Latin American nations fulfilling promises that the U.S. would step in if unrest
threatened American investments (U.S. sent troops to Nicaragua from 1909-1919 to protect American
interests there after a revolt broke out against the U.S. backed leader in 1909)
Missionary/Moral Diplomacy (1913) – President Wilson believed the U.S. had a “moral” responsibility to deny
recognition to any Latin American government viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to U.S. interests
- the first test of Wilson’s policy came during the Mexican Revolution when Wilson refused to recognized the
Mexican governments of General Huerta who had seized power illegally (immoral) or the Carranza
government who refused to accept Americas guidance in setting up a new Mexican government
- Mexican rebel forces, opposed to Carranza and led by Panco Villa, killed 16 American miners in Northern
Mexico and crossed the U.S.-Mexican border killing 17 more Americans forcing America to react
- Wilson reacted sending troops led by Gen. John J. Pershing into Mexico to capture Pancho Villa  attempt
unsuccessful U.S. and Carranza’s forces clashed in two battles nearly leading to war, however the U.S.
eventually recognized Carranza’s Mexican government
The U.S. had now entered the world stage greatly expanding its power following the Spanish-American War from a
regional power to an international power with influences in the Caribbean, Latin American, Asia and the Pacific.
However, it would be the outbreak of war in Europe that would truly prove America’s entry as not only a power on the
world stage, but a great power that could rival those in Europe.
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