US in World Affairs after 1890

Creation of International Markets

By 1900, the US had become an imperialistic nation with many colonies over the world.

Americans looked to Latin American and Asia as markets and raw materials for the increased industrialization.

Reasons for international growth

Many influential writers of the age urged overseas expansion

Growth of a strong navy

The US became a global power through trade, diplomacy, and conquest.

Open Door Policy

Proposed by President McKinley’s Secretary of State, John Hay in September 1899

All nations controlling portions of China would grant free trading opportunities to all nations.

Dollar Diplomacy

President Taft, in 1909, urged American banks and businesses to invest in Latin America.

Promised the US would step in if unrest there threatened their investments.

Expansion

Secretary of William State Seward negotiated for or bought:

Midway Islands in the Pacific, 1867

Alaska from Russia, 1867

Hawaiian Islands

Early American interests by traders, whalers, and missionaries

In 1884, US leased the naval base at Pearl Harbor

Large supplier of sugar

Hawaiian monarchy opposed American control.

However, following a rebellion by sugar planters for American control, Hawaii was annexed in July 1898

Latin America

The US used the Monroe Doctrine to further their interests in Latin America.

The Monroe Doctrine kept European nations from meddling in the western hemisphere.

Spanish-American War

Began with Cuban war for independence from Spain

Sinking of the battleship Maine in Havana harbor, February 15, 1898 united American opinion for war.

Congress declared war April, 1898.

Commodore George Dewey’s fleet was ordered to Spanish-controlled Philippines Islands.Battle of Manila Bay, May 1, ’98, entire Spanish fleet sunkUS Army troops attacked Cuba in June.

Results of the War

United States received Puerto Rico and Guam and the Philippines in the PacificCuba was granted independence from SpainThe US had the right to intervene in Cuban affairs

Teddy Roosevelt became a hero as the leader the the “Rough Riders” who stormed San Juan Hill on July 1, 1898

President Theodore Roosevelt

“Rugged Individualism”

“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”

Became known for his “Big Stick” policy in the Caribbean.

Panama Canal

The US encouraged Panama’s independence from Columbia, which did not want the US to build the canal

Once independent, negotiated a treaty with Panama to built the canal

Linked the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

Reduce sailing time from New York to San Francisco by 60 days (a huge savings of time and money

Began in 1904; 10 years to complete