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.