United States
History 1890-1917
• Imperialism
– Political, military, and economic domination of
strong nations over weaker territories
– European nations establish colonies in Africa and
Asia. Also, Japan had colonies
Economic Gain
Industrialist want
raw materials for
industries in their
home countries.
Entrepreneurs want
to sell their goods
and invest in new
overseas markets.
Militarism
Nationalism and
Social
Darwinism
Colonial
powers seek
bases for naval
forces that
protects their
global trade
networks.
Imperialism
feel a moral
duty to spread
their culture to
peoples they
consider
inferior.
1853- Treaty that
opened Japan to trade
with the United States
1867- US take
possession of the
Midway Islands
1875-Increase trade
with the Hawaiian
Islands
1887- US get the right
to build the naval base
at Pearl Harbor
1867-US bought Alaska from
Russia for $7.2 million
1889- Promotes the construction
of the Pan-American Highway
System
US missionaries had established Christian churches and schools.
Americans established sugar cane plantations. They convinced King
Kalakaua to amend Hawaii’s constitution to favored them.
American planter overthrew Queen Liliuokalani and began the process
to annex Hawaii as a US Territory.
“A splendid little war”- John Hay,
Secretary of States 1898
US Marines
capture
Guantánamo
Bay and the
Calvary led by
Theodore
Roosevelt
defeat Spanish
troops.
Puerto Rico
Cuba
The Philippines
American
Troops
surprised the
Spanish and
win with the
help of Emilio
Aguinaldo and
the rebels.
US forces
disembark on
Guánica shore
in July 25, 1898.
They don’t
found a
considerable
resistance.
Treaty of Paris
• Spain gave up control
of Cuba, Puerto Rico,
and Guam.
• Spain sold the
Philippines to the
United State for $20
million.
Americans Debate
Imperialism
• Was necessary to be
a economical power?
• They were betraying
their national values
of freedom and
equality?
America Assumes
a New Role in the
World
• An important turning
point in their Foreign
Policies