Imperialism

Imperialism - the policy by which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories.

Factors that helped fuel the development of American imperialism: 1. Economic interests - new markets, new resources 2. Military interests - foreign policy experts agreed that economic interests went hand-in-hand with military interests. 3. Belief in Cultural Superiority - Democratic ideas, Christianity


 * 1867** - William Seward (Secretary of State under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson) arranged for the purchase of Alaska for $7.2 million from Russia.

1893 - U.S. Marines help Hawaiians overthrow Queen Lilioukalani. 1898 - Hawaii annexed during the Spanish-American War

Spanish ruled Cuba. 1895 - Cubans rebelled. The press began to describe the brutality of Spanish officers. (yellow journalism) Pulitzer v. Hearst American business concerned that fighting would disrupt trade.

January 1898 - President William Mc Kinley sent U.S.S. Maine to Cuba. Riots had broken out in the capital. February - the Maine exploded. Americans blamed Spain.

"Remember the Maine" April 20, **1898** - Spanish American War began

1st mj. battle took place in Philippines. Filipinos also revolted against Spanish rule in 1880s. Secretary of State Theodore Roosevelt sent a fleet of American ships to help Filipinos. Spanish Fleet destroyed by U.S.

1st U.S. Volunteer Calvary - Rough Riders fight over Cuba - U.S. destroyed Spanish fleet

Puerto Rico became an American territory.

Competition for "spheres of influence" 1899 Secretary of State John Hay asked nations involved in China to follow an "Open Door Policy" This meant no single country should have a monopoly on trade with China. Eventually, most of the nations accepted Hay's proposal. "Boxer Rebellion" not all Chinese like foreign influence

Panama Canal - 10 mile wide strip of land - opened **1914** cut a passage way between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean

U.S. economic interests in Latin America Monroe Doctrine - prevented other nations from intervening in Latin America "Speak softly, but carry a big stick" Roosevelt spoke softly but he made sure that everyone knew the United States would use military force if its interests were threatened. ROOSEVELT COROLLARY - allowed U.S. to act as a policeman in South America