American Imperialism

Preset: Define foreign policy. What is the general purpose of foreign policy for a

nation? Why is the United States currently involved in Afghanistan and

Iraq?

Why does the United States maintain good relations with Israel and Saudi Arabia?

Define imperialism. Is imperialism an example of foreign policy?

Imperialism

Creation of global empires through the establishment of colonies Africa, SW Asia, South Asia, SE Asia –

targeted regions by European powersGlobal Empire = sign of Great Power

Created fierce competition among Great Powers to keep and defend and increase size of empire

Why US Imperialism? Export markets –business interests

Farmers and industries sell surplus goods Relieve unemployment Source of raw materials for industry

Alfred T. Mahan – The Influence of Sea Power upon History US needed strong navy to defend trade lanes US needed naval bases in Caribbean & Pacific, and a

canal to link the Atlantic & Pacific US needed naval bases to act as coaling stations to project

power

Areas of American Imperialism

Central America Caribbean Philippines Hawaii China

Hawaii

1875 – protectorate of US – guaranteed Hawaiian independence, trade rights, Pearl Harbor

Sugar and Pineapple plantationsSugar growers wanted US to annex to avoid

tariffs

US business leaders (Sanford Dole) overthrew Queen Liliuokalani – opposed change to constitution that eliminated property clause for voting

Hawaii annexed in 1898

Spanish-American War (1898)

Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines – colonies of Spanish Empire

US – heavy investment in sugar in Cuba US – wanted stable Cuba to protect

investment, Caribbean, canal US – supported revolutionary movement in

Cuba – Jose Marti (Cuban journalist)

“Yellow journalism” – American newspapers wrote stories against Spanish government – concentration camps

USS Maine – US battleship exploded in Havana harbor – Spanish gov. blamed

WAR! US defeated Spain

Results: Cuba – protectorate of US – increased US

investment Guantanamo Bay – Caribbean naval base

Puerto Rico – annexed Guam - annexed Philippines – annexed for $20 million –

became East Asian colonyPhilipino insurrection against US led by Emilio

Aguinaldo - US put down insurrection

Central America

Panama US supported rebellion in Columbia for

independent Panama (1903) Why?– canal to link Atlantic and Pacific –

trade and navy Panama – republic – protectorate of US

Roosevelt Corollary (1904)

Gave greater strength to the Monroe Doctrine“Big Stick” Diplomacy

Western Hemisphere = American sphere of influence – off limits to European intervention

US Empire

Question:

Review the naval philosophy of Alfred Mahan.

How did the imperialistic actions of the United States reflect the philosophy of Mahan?

China

1899 – “Open Door Policy” – John Hay (Sec. of State)

China should be open to trade by all countries – no interference in spheres of influence

1900 – US troops helped put down the “Boxer Rebellion”

1900 – the Boxer Rebellion

Chinese nationalists (“the Boxers”) targeted missionaries and symbols of foreign intervention (RR, businesses)Resented foreign influence and control of

Chinese governmentChing dynasty lost Mandate of Heavan

Multinational force defeated “the Boxers” – protect foreign investment in China

Chinese govt. assessed a fine of 67.5 million pounds to cover damages to foreign investment

China remained under the control of western nations