Unit 23 L1 Slides

​The United States moved away from its policy of isolationism, which had focused on avoiding involvement in foreign conflicts, towards imperialism, which involved expanding its territories overseas to secure raw materials, new markets, and national power.

Shift from Isolationism to Imperialism

Driven by the need for raw materials, new markets for goods, and a stronger military, many American leaders believed that acquiring territories and establishing overseas bases would strengthen the U.S. economy and global influence.

Economic and Military Motivations for Expansion:

The U.S. began its imperial expansion by purchasing Alaska in 1867 (known as "Seward's Folly") and acquiring the Midway Islands and Samoa, which helped establish strategic military bases and access to valuable resources.

Early Territorial Acquisitions

The United States had growing economic interests in Hawaii, particularly in the sugar industry, and by the 1840s, many businesses were controlled by Americans. A treaty in 1875 allowed Hawaiian sugar to be shipped duty-free to the U.S., benefiting the economy.

Economic and Political Influence in Hawaii

American planters, fearing a loss of power after the new queen, Liliuokalani, proposed a constitution that would return power to the monarchy, revolted against her rule. They were supported by U.S. marines and formed a new government, requesting U.S. annexation.

Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy

The United States saw strategic value in Hawaii, particularly with the Pearl Harbor base for refueling ships. Congress voted to annex Hawaii in 1898, making it a U.S. territory, which strengthened America’s position in the Pacific and furthered its rise as a world power.

Annexation of Hawaii

The United States sought to open trade with Japan in the mid-1800s. Commodore Matthew Perry’s visits in 1853 and 1854, using both diplomacy and military presence, led to Japan agreeing to trade with the U.S. and start a period of modernization, eventually making Japan a major imperial power.

Opening Trade with Japan

After Japan's defeat of China, foreign powers like Germany, Great Britain, France, Japan, and Russia gained control over parts of China through spheres of influence. The United States feared being excluded from Chinese markets and responded by establishing the Open Door Policy, which called for equal trade access for all nations.

Foreign Influence in China

The Boxer Rebellion, led by Chinese nationalists who resisted foreign control, was suppressed by foreign military forces, including U.S. Marines. After defeating the Boxers, China was forced to pay reparations, and the Open Door Policy continued, asserting U.S. interests in China.

Boxer Rebellion and Aftermath

The Spanish-American War

Yellow Journalism and Public Support for War: Sensationalized news stories, particularly by publishers Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, fueled American outrage over Spanish actions in Cuba. This contributed to growing public support for U.S. military intervention, especially after the explosion of the USS Maine and the publication of a derogatory letter from the Spanish minister.

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​U.S. Victories in the Spanish-American War: The United States quickly achieved military successes, including the naval victory in the Philippines under Commodore George Dewey and the capture of Manila with the help of Filipino rebels. In Cuba, U.S. forces, including the Rough Riders led by Theodore Roosevelt, overcame Spanish defenses, particularly at the Battle of San Juan Hill.

Challenges and Casualties of the War:

Despite military successes, the U.S. Army faced significant challenges, including a lack of proper supplies, inadequate equipment, and harsh living conditions in Cuba. Disease, especially yellow fever, caused more American deaths than battle did. However, the war ended with Spain’s defeat and the signing of a cease-fire agreement in August 1898.

U.S. Acquisition of Territories:
As a result of the Spanish-American War, the United States gained control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The U.S. became a stronger world power, but this expansion led to internal debates over imperialism, with the Anti-Imperialist League opposing the creation of an American colonial empire.

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Cuba's Limited Independence:

Despite the Teller Amendment, which promised Cuban independence, the U.S. set up a military government in Cuba and exerted significant control through the Platt Amendment. This limited Cuba's sovereignty and allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs until 1934.

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Puerto Rico and the Philippines:

Puerto Rico was made a U.S. territory with limited self-governance, becoming a U.S. commonwealth. The Philippines, after being purchased from Spain, faced resistance from Filipino rebels who sought independence. The U.S. eventually quelled the rebellion, and in 1946, the Philippines gained full independence.