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The Pan-American Conference
Secretary of State James Blaine helped lead this Conference which lead to all nations in the Western Hemisphere growing closer to cooperate in economics and politics. This is important because these talks were US lead and as the power in the West, the US was benefited the most. (Pg. 412). -
The Influence of Sea Power Upon History by Captain Alfred Mahan
This book was the beginning of American imperialistic ideas as it was what helped convince Congress to increase and update the Navy. This book was also a reason for the acquisition of islands such as Samoa in order to fuel this new fleet. (Pg. 411). Image is of the cover of ‘The Influence of Sea Powers Upon History’. -
The Spanish-American War
War was declared on Spain after the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine in Havana along with the De Lôme Letter. The war was fought in Cuba and the Philippines. The war ended with the passing of the Treaty of Paris. (Pg. 412 - 415). Image is of the Rough Riders after the conquest of San Juan Hill in Cuba. -
Secretary Hay’s First Note
Secretary Hay sent out a note to the nations that had spheres of influence, or ports that were under their direct control, within China which asked for an Open Door policy which would give all nations the right to trade in China. The responses from the nations dodged around the question so Hay claimed that since they did not say no, they said yes. This opened the door to the US getting involved in China much like the other nations. Image is Nations as Vultures eating China as an antelope. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was ratified in the US in 1899 by the narrow margin of one vote. This treaty, among other things, was what made the Philippines part of the US after being bought for $20 million from Spain. The treaty was heavily opposed by the anti-imperialist due to the inclusion of the Philippine purchase. -
The Boxer Rebellion
The rebellion was of Chinese people who were tired of foreigners having footholds in the country and started to kill them. The US supplied troops to the international force that put down the rebellion in the hopes of not being left out of future opportunities in China. (Pg. 417). Image is of Marines that were deployed to put down the rebellion. -
Platt Amendment
The Platt Amendment furthered US goals in Cuba by stating that they cannot have military treaties with foreign nations, the US can come in when they deem that there is an issue, and the US gets a base at Guantanamo Bay indefinitely. Image is a political cartoon of the US telling the world that they want Cuba to be sovereign while handing Cuba a to do list.
