Episode 28: American Imperialism

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Main Topic: American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Initial Context: U.S. involvement in the global expansion and colonization, similar to European powers

Historical Background

• New Imperialism: A term used to describe the period of empire-building by European powers and the U.S.
• U.S. as an Empire:
  • Continuous expansion westward, impacting Native Americans and Mexicans
  • Comparison with Russian Empire's territorial expansion
  • Shift from settlement to colonial rule

Causes of American Imperialism

• Economic Motivations:
  • Need for markets to sell U.S. products
  • Economic depression in 1890s prompting expansion
  • Influence of Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan's ideas on naval power
• Nationalism and Masculinity:
  • Desire to prove American strength and manliness
  • Rise in national pride marked by rituals like the Pledge of Allegiance

Pre-1898 Imperial Ventures

• Annexation Attempts:
  • Failed efforts to annex Canada and expand into Central America
• Significance of Hawaii:
  • Valuable for its sugar plantations and as a naval base
  • Annexed in 1898

Spanish-American-Cuban-Philippino War

• Trigger and Context:
  • Cuban rebellion against Spain
  • Spanish atrocities fueled American intervention
• McKinley's War Message:
  • Officially aimed at peace and economic stability
  • Teller Amendment opposed annexation of Cuba

Key Battles and Territorial Gains

• Military Success:
  • Short war with few American combat deaths
  • Key battles: San Juan Hill, Manila Bay
  • Roosevelt's rise to fame
• Territorial Acquisitions:
  • Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam
  • Annexation of Hawaii

Aftermath and Impacts

• Cuba:
  • Platt Amendment allowed U.S. military intervention and retained influence
• Philippine War:
  • Prolonged conflict with significant casualties
  • Atrocities committed by U.S. forces

Anti-Imperialism and Racial Issues

• Constitutional Challenges:
  • Insular Cases and the Foraker Act
  • Puerto Rico's and Philippines' ambiguous status
• Opposition to Imperialism:
  • Racial concerns and fear of diversity
  • Democratic and Progressive resistance

Economic Underpinnings

• Trade Imperatives:
  • Asia as a major market for American goods
  • Economic necessity driving imperialism

Conclusion

• Long-term Implications:
  • Continued tension between imperialism and democratic ideals
  • Imperialism's enduring impact on American foreign policy

Production Credits

• Scriptwriters, producers, and contributors mentioned
• Encouragement to engage with the content and community