Imperialism and
Teddy Roosevelt
Due to the Industrial Revolution more and more raw
materials were needed for the new machines.
To get the raw materials, Europe went out and
conquered new lands. (Asia/Africa)
The U.S. and Imperialism
Spanish/American War – Spain controlled Cuba
and the U.S. thought Cuba should be free.
Newspapers published editorials about the evils
of Spain. This is called “Yellow Journalism” the
idea is to sell more newspapers.
U.S.S. Maine – A battleship in Havana Harbor.
It will blow up and the Spanish will get blamed
for the explosion.
We go to war against Spain with the cry
“Remember the Maine”
Two parts to the war
The army attacked Spain in Cuba. The heat
and diseases did more damage to the army
than Spain did.
Commodore Dewey attacked the Spanish
Navy in the Philippines.
We replaced Spain as the ruler of the
Philippines. They were not happy about
this.
We granted them freedom in 1946.
Hawaii
Hawaii was a country with their own ruler in
the early 1900’s.
The U.S. had a lot of plantations. The owner
of these plantations was Sanford Dole.
A tariff on imported sugar was passed by
Congress. Instead of paying the tariff, Dole
decided that we need to annex the islands.
The navy sent one of their battleships and
the Hawaiians gave up before the battle even
started.
Alaska was purchased from Russia by William
Seward. It was known as Seward’s Icebox.
Teddy Roosevelt
Vice Pres. for McKinley when he was shot.
Became President at 42 years old.
Started the National Park System with
Yellowstone being the first. The idea was to
set aside lands so they wouldn’t be developed.
Broke up trusts & monopolies. First was the
Northern Securities Company. Three RR had
merged to eliminate competition.
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act was used to
separate the companies.
Panama Canal
The French had tried to build a canal in
Panama but weren’t successful.
At this time, Columbia owned Panama. But
panama complained about Columbia.
T.R. sent down warships to help Panama.
He immediately recognized Panama as a free
and separate country.
He made a deal to finish the French Canal.
We kept the canal until 1999.
Roosevelt Corollary
Roosevelt’s addition to the Monroe
Doctrine.
If Europe tries to meddle in Latin America,
the U.S. will show up with their military
power.