US Imperialism
The 2 Guiding Principals of Early
American Foreign Policy

1. George Washington’s
“Farewell Address.” He
urged Americans to stay
out of “entangling
alliances,” and to keep
out of Europe’s affairs
(isolationist)
Monroe Doctrine

2. The Monroe
Doctrine —Any
foreign military
expeditions in the
western Hemisphere
would be viewed as a
threat to the U.S.
The “Opening” of Japan

Commodore Perry
“opens” Japan in
1854.

US Wants access to
Japanese market &
coal.
Reasons for US Expansion

New Markets

Missionary

Compete with other countries—be a big
dog.

Social Darwinism
Opposition to US Imperialism

A. Goes against American ideals

B. Will bring alien people into country
(unfit for democracy and cheap
competition for jobs).

C. Threat to Democracy at home—
militarism.
Alfred T. Mahan

Influential navy man
whose book, The
Influence of Sea Power
Upon History, urges the
building up of navel
power as necessary for
being a world power.

Believes that imperialism
will reenergize America.
Review/Warm-Up

What were the reasons for US
imperialism/expansion?

What were the arguments against US
imperialism/expansion?

Explain the Monroe Doctrine

What did Alfred Mahan call for and why?
US Takes Hawaii

US sugar planters in Hawaii want the islands to
be a part of the US so there won’t be a tax on
their sugar when they try to sell it to the US.

US also interested because the Hawaiian Islands
would provide key naval base in Pacific.

In 1893, US sends troops. Annexed officially in
1898.
The Spanish-American War

For years, Cuba had been trying to gain its
independence from Spain.

When William McKinley was elected president in 1896,
he supported Cuban independence.

In 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine explodes just off the
Cuban coast. 260 American sailors die.

It is unclear what caused the explosion—At the time,
many believed that Spain did it. An investigation many
years later claimed that it exploded because of a faulty
boiler.
Sinking of the Maine
Spanish American War
Reaction to the Sinking of the
Maine

Yellow journalists
(sensationalist newspapers of
the time) urge America to go
to war with Spain.

“Remember the Maine, To
Hell with Spain.”

In 1898, America goes to war
with Spain.
Spanish American War
The Rough Riders

Teddy Roosevelt,
later to become
president, leads the
Rough Riders in the
charge of San Juan
Hill.

Makes him a national
hero.
The Philippines

Commodore George Dewey attacks the Spanish
fleet in the Pacific and sizes the Philippines. (1
American dies, 381 for Spain).

When America wins the war, Spain agrees to
grant independence to Cuba, and to sell Guam,
Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the U.S. for
$20-million.

Even though the U.S. had claimed that it was
liberating the Philippines from Spain, it would
not grant them independence now that they had
bought the territory.
Guerrilla War in the Philippines

McKinley feels that the Filipinos are not “ready” for selfgovernment.

He say it is America’s duty to its “little brown brothers”
to “uplift…civilize, and Christianize them.”

Emilio Aguinaldo lead the Filipino resistance.

Bloody fighting goes on for 4-years (1902)

America finally grants independence in 1946.
Results of War with Spain

Cuba gets independence

Us gets: Guam, Puerto Rico, and the
Philippines.
US Expansion in the Pacific
Constitutional Problems

Does Constitution follow the flag?

Do US laws apply to newly acquired
territories?

Insular cases = NO. It is up to Congress
to determine.
The “Open Door” Policy

European powers had
divided China into
spheres of influence.

US called for all foreign
powers to have equal
access to trade in all
areas of China (1899).

Is called the “Open Door”
policy.

US wants access to more
markets.
Review

How did the “Yellow Journalists” help lead America into
war with Spain?

What event finally led to America going to war with
Spain?

What territories did the US acquire as a result of the war
with Spain?

What constitutional issues arose as a result of the US
acquiring overseas territories?

What was the “Open Door” policy and why did the US
call for it?
The “Opening” of Japan

Commodore Perry “opens” Japan in 1854.

Want access to Japanese market & coal.
Americans Begin to Expand

After the Civil War, Americans began to look to
establish themselves outside of the country for
the 1st time. (why?)

1. For power and glory

2. Missionary

3. To establish new markets for America’s
surplus goods.