American Imperialism Overview

Overview

This lecture explores American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on causes, key events, acquired territories, and debates surrounding the expansion of U.S. power overseas.

Context and Causes of American Imperialism

• New Imperialism refers to late 19th-century expansion by Western nations into Asia and Africa.
• America’s push for empire was motivated by economic need for new markets and resources.
• The 1890s economic depression increased support for imperialism as a solution to domestic woes.
• Nationalism and a desire to display American strength influenced expansionist policies.
• Alfred Thayer Mahan argued that naval power and overseas bases were essential for U.S. greatness.

Early Expansion and Acquisitions

• Pre-Civil War attempts included failed efforts to annex Canada and actions in Central America.
• The U.S. purchased Alaska (Seward’s Folly) and "opened" Japan to trade in 1854.
• Hawaii was annexed in 1898 for its strategic location, naval base, and sugar industry.

The Spanish-American War (1898)

• The war began as a Cuban independence struggle against Spain.
• Yellow journalism exaggerated atrocities to garner U.S. support against Spain.
• President McKinley cited threats to American interests as reasons for war.
• The Teller Amendment promised no U.S. annexation of Cuba.
• The sinking of the USS Maine further fueled war sentiment, though likely accidental.

Consequences of the Spanish-American War

• The U.S. gained the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam.
• The Platt Amendment allowed U.S. intervention in Cuba and established a base at Guantanamo Bay.
• Hawaii was annexed during the war to support the U.S. presence in the Pacific.

The Philippine-American War and Aftermath

• Filipinos, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, resisted U.S. control seeking independence.
• The war (1899-1903) was brutal, with atrocities committed by U.S. forces.
• U.S. modernized the Philippines but subordinated local interests to wealthy Americans.

Legal Status of New Territories

• The Foraker Act (1900) made Puerto Rico an unincorporated territory without a path to statehood.
• The Insular Cases established that U.S. constitutional rights did not fully extend to new territories.
• Hawaii’s large white settler population led to traditional territorial status and eventual statehood.

Debates Over Imperialism

• Anti-imperialists argued empire contradicted democracy and would increase diversity.
• Progressives and some Democrats opposed overseas expansion, favoring focus on domestic issues.
• Proponents claimed imperialism was benevolent and necessary for economic growth.
• Expansion was ultimately driven by pursuit of markets, especially in Asia.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Imperialism — Policy of extending a country's power through colonization or military force.
• New Imperialism — Late 19th-century wave of Western territorial expansion.
• Teller Amendment — Law promising the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the Spanish-American War.
• Platt Amendment — Gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuba and set conditions for its independence.
• Foraker Act — Law making Puerto Rico a U.S. territory without statehood.
• Insular Cases — Supreme Court decisions limiting constitutional rights in U.S. territories.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the causes and consequences of American imperialism for class discussion.
• Study key terms and their impact on American foreign policy.
• Prepare to answer questions about the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars.