Imperialism and the Spanish-American War

Imperialism- when powerful nations created empires by dominating other lands

Manifest destiny- the idea that it was Americas obvious and inevitable fate to occupy the entire
continent (1840s and 50s)
Monroe Doctrine- declaration by President Monroe in 1823 that the U.S. would oppose efforts
by an outside power to control a nation in the Western Hemisphere
The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine:

Speak softly and carry a big stick

The U.S. would police areas of the Caribbean and Central America
U.S. did not want Europe interfering with the Americans
Under this policy, the US would intervene in many of these countries

Reasons for Imperialism

1. Public Support
Future prosperity depended on access to world markets
Territorial expansion and trade expansion
2. Military Strength
Naval bases and coaling stations throughout the world
Helped US with expansion
3. Economic Pressure
World trade would lessen the threat of economic depression
1. Spanish Misrule in Cuba
-1895- Cuban Revolt- fueled by Spanish rule and falling sugar prices
-Spain sent General Valeriano Weyer- ruthless governor
-Re-concentration: Spanish policy- Cuban villagers in concentration camps (many died from
hunger and neglect)
2. Yellow Journalism

A style of newspaper writing in the late 1890s that featured sensational headlines and
stories
Newspapers fed the Anti-Spanish hysteria and downplayed brutal deeds of the rebels

3. Remember the Maine

U.S.S Maine (1898) sent to Havanas harbor to protect U.S. citizens and property
February 15, 1898- Explosion destroyed U.S.S Maine- 266 dead
Many U.S. citizens now favored war

4. Spanish Concessions

President McKinley- supported Cuban independence

McKinley presented Spain with demands, including the withdraw of Spain from Cuba
deLome Letter- Spanish Ambassador to the U.S. whose letter described McKinley as
weak (printed in the NY Journal and infuriated the American public
Spain refused- McKinley asked Congress for a declaration of war
Granted April 25, 1898

Military Operations of the Spanish-American War

Dewey at Manila Bay:
First fighting took place in Philippines
Commodore Geroge Dewey- commander of US fleet bases in Hong Kong
Fleet sunk or captured the entire Spanish fleet at Manila Bay
US troops took Manila
Land Warfare in Cuba

Poor preparation: army not equipped to launch an invasion of Cuba

Rough Riders: mixed crew of cowboys, college students, adventurers
-TR promoted leader of the group
Rough Riders charged and took San Juan Hill
The black soldiers of the 9th and 10th regiments assisted the Rough Riders
Most deaths were a result of yellow fever and food poisoning (deaths=2061), not battles
(deaths=385)

Aftermath of the War

Treaty of Paris-Dec 10th, 1898
Peace treaty that ended the Spanish-American war
Committed the US to the responsibility of being a world power
Territorial Gains for US:
1) Puerto Rico- closest territory to US
2) Guam- south pacific
3) Philippines- American occupation met bitter opposition from the Filipinos; Philippine
insurrection lasted longer than the Spanish-American war
Divided Public Opinion

most Americans agreed with McKinley- govern the Philippines

some felt colonialism was wrong
violated Americans belief in liberty and might drag US into foreign wars

Platt Amendment

-stipulated that the Cuban government could not enter any foreign agreements, must allow
the US to establish naval bases as needed on the island, and must give US the right to
intervene whenever necessary
Far East Foreign Policy
Open Door Policy:
US- open China (to trading) to all nations on an equa; basis
Secretary of state John Hay- sent open door notes to nations involved in China
Boxer Rebellion

1900- secret Chinese society, known as the boxers, rose up to expel the foreign
devils
Uprising lasted 2 months- Europe and US broke the siege
US believed in maintaining an independent China- sent another open door note

Panama Canal- The Big Ditch

Roosevelt wanted to move the military quickly between the Atlantic and Pacific
1902- US bought the canal rights for $40 million from the French
US still had to lease the canal route; Panama was a providence of Cuba
1903- Panama Revolution- the Republic of Panama was created and they leased the canal
zone to the US
1904- work began but was halted the next year due to yellow fever
Dr. William Gorgas- helped destroy mosquitos and yellow fever
Allowed work to resume- ships were passing through by 1914

Peacemaker in the Russo-Japanese War (1905)

Russia and Japan fought for control over Manchuria

Roosevelt helped bring peace; awarded Nobel Peace Prize
US wanted to maintain the Open Door Policy in China

Battleship Diplomacy (1907-1909)

Sent the USs Great White Fleet of 16 battleships around the world
Mainly done to impress Japan