Heimler's History: Spanish-American War and American Imperialism

Context: American Expansion Desires

• Post-Industrial Revolution, American industrialists and politicians sought to expand American empire.
• Cuba, a Spanish imperial colony, was a target for annexation.
• 1895: Cuban nationalists' struggle against Spain; Spanish crush rebellion.

Yellow Journalism and Public Opinion

• Yellow journalism: sensationalist journalism led by Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst.
• Published exaggerated stories on Spanish atrocities in Cuba.
• Influenced American public to favor intervention in Cuba.

U.S.S. Maine Explosion

• U.S. establishes naval presence in Cuba.
• 1898: U.S.S. Maine explodes in Havana Harbor, kills over 200 Americans.
• Yellow journalists blame Spain without evidence, increasing war sentiment.

Outbreak and Outcome of the Spanish-American War

• President McKinley issues ultimatum to Spain; Spain agrees but war is declared anyway.
• Short war resulting in American victory.
• U.S. enters the imperial arena.

Effects of the War

Cuba

• Gains independence but with restrictions due to the Platt Amendment.
• U.S. allowed to intervene militarily if economic interests threatened.

Philippines

• Annexed from Spain for $20 million.
• Filipino nationals initially believed U.S. intended to grant independence.
• Emilio Aguinaldo leads Filipino resistance against U.S. rule.
• Conflict lasts for three years, limited conflicts for ten years; U.S. retains control until post-WWII.

Hawaii

• Annexed in 1898 following overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893.

American Empire through Economics

Open Door Policy with China

• 19th-century China was economically dominated by European powers.
• U.S. Secretary of State John Hay issues Open Door Note for equal trading rights.
• European powers indifferent, but U.S. secures some trading rights in China.

Conclusion

• Spanish-American War effects propel U.S. into global imperialism.
• Formation of an American empire and increased global influence.

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