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Seward's Folly
William Seward, Secretary of State under presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson set up for America to buy Alaska from Russians for $7.2 million. Alaska was rich in natural resources, such as timber, minerals, and oil. -
Thirst for New Markets
The advancement of technology in factories and on farms led to the overproduction of goods. Americans saw this as a sign to spread their excess goods elsewhere. "Imperialists viewed foreign trade as the solution to American over production and the related problems of unemployment and economic depression" (Pg. 344). This was one of the 3 reasons for American Imperialism -
Cultural Superiority
In the late 19th century it was argued that American's rights as people were to spread christianity and “civilization” to the world’s “inferior peoples.” This viewpoint defined America as one culture that was superior to others. This was a big push for imperialism because it was an ideal among Americans that they were better than others and their role was to make others more like themselves. -
America Becomes World's 3rd Largest Naval Power
The desire for military strength fueled American Imperialism. With the push of Alfred T. Mahan, the U.S built nine modern battleships, including the USS Maine. -
The Second War for Independence
"Jose Marti organized Cuban resistance against Spain, using an active guerrilla campaign and deliberately destroying property, especially American-owned sugar mills and plantations, to urge the U.S to help push for Cuban independence". (Pg. 347) -
Spain Respons to Cuban Revolt and Sparks Split Public Opinion
General Valeriano Weyler hearded the rural population of Cuba into concentration camps. Approximately 300,000 Cuban civilians were in these camps, starving, helpless and some dying. Yellow journalists heard of this and used this for headlines that made many want to send troops to Cuba to help the people, while others still did not want to get involved in foreign issues. -
America Takes Hawaii
On August 12, 1898, Congress proclaimed Hawaii an American territory, because they wanted to control the sugar industry and build a naval base at Pearl Harbor. -
The De Lome Letter
A Cuban rebel stole a letter written by Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, the Spanish minister to the United States, and the New York Journal published it. The letter consisted of calling McKinley weak and afraid of war with Spain. The criticism of our President pushed America closer to war with Spain. -
The USS Maine Explodes
A few days after the De Lome letter was published the USS Maine unexpectedly exploded, 260 men died and journalists blamed this on Spain. This was the tip of the iceberg that pushed America to war. -
Spanish American War Begins
The United States declared war on Spain and it lasted 3 months and 3 weeks. The U.S was determined to prove their military strength and make up for the lives lost to the USS Maine explosion. -
Treaty of Paris
"The United States and Spain met in Paris to agree on a treaty. At the peace talks, Spain freed Cuba and turned over the islands of Guam in the Pacific and Puerto Rico in the West Indies to the United
States. Spain also sold the Philippines to the United States for $20 million" (Pg. 350). -
Philippine American War
The Filipinos rose in revolt opposing American control over them, and they turned to aggressive tactics which led to the United States forcing Filipinos to live in designated zones, where poor sanitation, starvation, and disease killed thousands. It took the Americans nearly three years to put down the rebellion."The war claimed 4,000 American lives and cost $400 million—20 times the price the United States had paid to purchase the islands"(Pg. 355). -
Open Door Notes
The Open Door notes were letters addressed to imperialist nations proposing that the nations share their trading rights with the United States, thus creating an open door. This made sure that other nations wouldn't trade with China. The U.S was scared that China would shut out American trade so they tried taking their trading powers away. -
The Treaty of Paris is Approved
The war was over, the treaty was approved and the United States now controlled Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. -
Foraker Act
The Foraker Act ended military rule in Panama and set up a civil government." The act gave the president of the United States the power to appoint Puerto Rico’s governor and members of the upper house of its legislature"(Pg. 353). This lead to Puerto Rico being self- governed. -
Aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion
After the Boxer Rebellion America feared that Europe would continue to take control of China. America wanted to benefit the most from trading with China because they believed that is what made their economy strong. John Hays second series of open door notes would “safeguard for the world the principle of equal and impartial trade with all parts of the Chinese Empire.” This policy lead to stronger American influence in China and more American expansion of power. -
The Platt Amendment
America wanted an official agreement between Cuba on paper to ensure their relationship and rules set in place to protect their alignment as nations.In 1903, the Platt Amendment became a treaty between the countries and Cuba became a U.S. protectorate, a country whose affairs are partially controlled by a stronger power. -
The Roosevelt Corollary
The Roosevelt Corollary added to the Monroe Doctrine that the U.S would use force to protect its economic interests in Latin America. Roosevelt based his policy on Latin America with the saying "Speak softly and carry a big stick". He also warned that disorder in Latin America could push the U.S to force exercise of an international police power. -
Teddy Creates Peace Between Russia and Japan
Japan was destroying Russia at war but they did not have the means to continue on fighting, so they went to Roosevelt in secret so that he could devise a peace treaty for the nations. Roosevelt did so and was awarded a Nobel peace prize in 1906 for the Russo-Japan treaty. This was just the beginning of Teddy's everlasting affect on America. -
Wilson Intervenes in Mexico
Wilson refused to recognize the government Huerta had formed, since it was formed with violence.When Huerta's officers arrested a small group of America soldiers, Wilson felt it was time to intervene. Wilson ordered U.S. Marines to occupy Veracruz, an important Mexican port. Although the Huerta government fell soon after and Wilson withdrew the troops and formally recognized the Carranza government. Wilson made it clear in this time, he wouldn't stand for violence. -
Rebellion in Mexico and Wilson's Intervention
Villa spoke of friendship with America, but then shot 2 American men and raided Columbus, New Mexico, and killed 17 Americans. Wilson wasn't one to cause conflict, but when the lives of Americans were lost, he sent thousands of soldiers to invade Mexico. They came close to war, but both backed down. "U.S. intervention in Mexican affairs provided a clear model of American imperialist attitudes in the early years of the 20th century"(Pg. 365).