Spanish-American War and Imperialism Insights

Sep 16, 2024

Crucible of Empire Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Major funding by Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Endowment for the Humanities, John D. and Katherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
  • Focus on Cuban independence and the effects of the Spanish-American War.

Prelude to War

  • President McKinley's Dilemma:
    • Did not want war but desired control over Cuba, Caribbean, and a naval base in the Philippines.
  • Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt:
    • Advocated for war to establish the U.S. as a global power.
  • Cuban and Filipino Independence Sentiments:
    • Cubans wanted independence from Spain.
    • Filipinos initially saw Americans as liberators, became suspicious later.

American Expansion and Industrialization

  • Colombian Exposition 1893: Celebrated American innovations.
  • Frederick Jackson Turner: Suggested overseas expansion as a solution to the closing American frontier.
  • International Context: Other powers (Britain, France, Russia, Germany, Japan) were engaged in colonial enterprises.

Spanish Colonies and American Interests

  • Spanish Empire: Diminished to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines, and Guam.
  • Cuban Revolution: Continued struggle for independence, led by figures like Maximo Gomez and Jose Marti.
  • American Sympathies: Influenced by media portrayal of Spanish brutality.

American Journalism and Public Opinion

  • Role of Media:
    • William Randolph Hurst and others used sensationalism to sway public opinion toward war.
  • Public Figures and Opinions:
    • Theodore Roosevelt and others pushed for war using patriotic sentiments.
    • Counterpoint of anti-imperialist views questioning U.S. global ambitions.

The Spanish-American War

  • Explosion of the USS Maine: Catalyst for war declaration due to media portrayal.
  • Military Actions:
    • U.S. Navy's success in Manila Bay.
    • Cuban campaign led by Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders.
  • Challenges:
    • Logistical issues in troop deployment.
    • Disease and hardships faced by soldiers.

Aftermath and Impact

  • Treaty of Paris 1898:
    • U.S. gains Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico; Cuba becomes a protectorate.
  • Philippine Insurrection:
    • Led by Emilio Aguinaldo against U.S. colonial control.
    • Brutality reported, leading to anti-imperialist sentiments in the U.S.

Long-term Consequences

  • Platt Amendment:
    • Limited Cuban sovereignty, led to U.S. interventions in Cuba.
  • Philippine Governance:
    • Establishment of U.S. civilian governance, continued resistance by Filipinos.
  • Imperialism Debate:
    • Division between imperial expansionists and anti-imperialists.

Reflections on Imperialism

  • Historical Perspectives:
    • Concerns over the morality and practicality of imperialism.
    • Parallel drawn to later conflicts such as Vietnam.

Conclusion

  • Legacy of the Spanish-American War:
    • Established the U.S. as an imperial power.
    • Continued effects on U.S. foreign policy and military engagements.

These notes capture the central themes and developments of the Spanish-American war as discussed in the lecture, highlighting the interplay between political motives, media influence, and the broader implications of U.S. imperialism.