America Claims an Empire
How did time prove that the purchase of
Alaska was not an act of folly?
Time proved that purchasing Alaska was not an act
of folly because it proved to be very useful. Alaska
was a land that was rich in minerals, timber, and oil.
No man’s life, no man’s property is safe [in Cuba].
American citizens are imprisoned or slain without
cause…The horrors of a barbarous struggle for the
extermination of the native population…Is there no
nation wise enough, brave enough to aid this bloodsmitten land?
-New York World, May 17, 1896
Philippine-American War
The Filipinos revolted against the U.S. in 1899. The
United States had become just like Spain was when they
ruled over them. After 3 years, the U.S. set up a
government similar to Puerto Rico’s.
“Speak softly and carry a
The Spanish American War
When the Cubans revolted
against Spain, the United
States helped Cuba. This
caused a 15-week war with
Spain. When an escaping
Spanish fleet was destroyed,
they admitted the war was
over. Both countries signed
the Treaty of Paris on
December 10, 1898.
America’s New Lands
The United Sates now had control over Puerto Rico and
Cuba. Each nation was treated differently. Puerto Rico
was able to set up a civil government with the President
of the U.S. able to appoint the governor. In Cuba, they
developed a constitution with the Platt Amendment.
big stick; you will go far.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
Influence
in
China
The Open Door notes were
developed in 1899 to ensure that
the United States would always
have trading rights in China. It
meant that no single nation
could have complete control.
As America expanded, they encountered many
obstacles to get where they are today. Without
those negotiations with Spain and Latin
America, the United States would not have the
power they hold in the world today.
American Expansion
Many people wanted America to become an
imperialist nation. There was desire for military
strength, belief in cultural superiority and a thrist for
new markets. That is why Alaska was sold to the U.S.
and became a state in 1959 and Hawaii became a U.S.
territory and then a state, also in 1959.
Roosevelt
and Wilson
Under these two
presidents, the
Panama Canal was
built, the U.S. used
police power on
several nations, and
they intervened in the
Mexican Revoltion.
Why did President Wilson refuse to
recognize Huerta’s government?
Wilson refused to recognize it because many of the
successors were murdered or overthrown to attain
power. Wilson called it “a government of butchers.”