Lecture Notes: Empire and Expansion

Announcements

• No class on Labor Day (Monday, September 7th).
• Next class will be on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
• Use the time to work on signature assignments and catch up on readings.

Overview of Today's Topics

• Finish up with the Gilded Age.
• Discuss the Spanish-American War.
• Talk about Hawaii and colonization.

Key Concepts

Imperialism

• Definition: When one country exerts control over others through economic, political, or military means.
• Unique situation for the U.S. due to historical context with Great Britain.
• Motivating factors for American imperialism:
  • Social Darwinism
  • Economic interests (binding foreign markets)
  • Manifest Destiny
  • Rapprochement with Britain (increased cooperation)

Expansion into Hawaii

• Hawaii as a strategic refueling stop for U.S. ships.
• Native Hawaiian population reduced by European diseases.
• Economic potential of Hawaii (especially pineapple production):
  • Pineapples valued at $6-7 in markets.
• U.S. interests in annexing Hawaii:
  • Military strategy
  • Agricultural benefits
• Queen Liliuokalani's resistance:
  • U.S. supports a revolt against her rule in 1893.
  • Hawaii annexed in 1898 under the McKinley administration.
• Pearl Harbor Naval Base established in 1887.

Spanish-American War (1898)

• Background:
  • U.S. interest in Cuba, historical ties since the 1840s.
  • Cuban revolt against Spanish rule in 1895 prompts U.S. involvement.
  • Spanish response: concentration camps and oppressive measures.
• Role of sensational journalism (yellow press) in galvanizing public opinion:
  • Key figures: William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.
  • Hearst's quote: "You furnish the pictures, I'll furnish the war."
• Battleship Maine incident:
  • Explosion on February 15, 1898, leads to U.S. blaming Spain.
  • Media frenzy and public outcry: "Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!"
• U.S. declares war on April 11, 1898.

Course of the War

• Short and decisive conflict with minimal American losses (most deaths from disease).
• Key battles:
  • American fleet's surprise attack on the Spanish in the Philippines led by Admiral George Dewey.
  • Rough Riders, led by Teddy Roosevelt, charge San Juan Hill.
  • Influence of the war on American national identity and unity.
• Treaty of Paris (1898):
  • End of war; Spain cedes territories to the U.S.
  • U.S. becomes an empire unexpectedly.

Key Themes and Legacy

• Creation of American Empire: Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines.
• Ties between North and South restored through shared military efforts.
• Rise of Teddy Roosevelt as a prominent political figure.
• The war’s significance in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the 20th century.

Conclusion

• Next class will move into the Progressive Era and the 20th century.
• Preparations to discuss the Panama Canal and Roosevelt's achievements.
• Reminder to review PowerPoints and take quizzes before next class.

Questions and Discussion Points

• How does the U.S. navigate its new territories?
• The impact of racism and media representation in the context of imperialism.