Ch 12 Notes

American History

 

12-1

America wants to expand its borders-

-         right after the Civil War, not interested, a lot of frontier in the US

-         by 1880s, everything is settled

-         want to make US a world power (like European counties)

§         European counties had colonies

 

Why

  1. Economy

 

Imperialism- economic/political domination of one nation over weaker ones

 

Europe- why?

-         new place to sell goods b/c Europe had too many tariffs

-         new place to invest b/c things had slowed in Europe (cheap buildings/labor)

-         control- exerted over lands where countries had investments in order to protect them

o       Colonies- directly controlled by larger country

o       Protectorate- dominant country allows locals to run things and gives protection but has to listen

-         where? Asia, Africa

 

US- overproduction of goods, need to look for another place to sell

 

Europe- why?

-         new place to sell goods b/c Europe had too many tariffs

-         new place to invest b/c things had slowed in Europe (cheap buildings/labor)

-         control- exerted over lands where countries had investments in order to protect them

o       Colonies- directly controlled by larger country

o       Protectorate- dominant country allows locals to run things and gives protection but has to listen

-         where? Asia, Africa

 

US- overproduction of goods, need to look for another place to sell

 

  1. Feel superior ANGLO SAXONISM

-         social Darwinists- strong should dominate

-         US should spread civilization to savages     

-         Racism, they’re too dumb to be successful themselves        

 

US in the Pacific-

-         gets Japan to open to trade by showing technology/military might

-         Japan decides it needs to get in the game w/ western countries (modernize)

-         Hawaii- a key stop for US trips on way to Asia

o       US investors happy, making $ growing sugar, able to limit the power of Hawaiian Queen

o       New queen attempts to regain power, US settlers force her to give up power, ask US to annex (it does later)

 

Latin America-

-         bought most goods from Europe

-         US wants to limit European influence

 

12-2

 

Spanish-American War-

-         Cuba rebels against Spanish rule

o       US forms close ties to Cuba b/c of sugar (US invests in RRs, mines, sugar plantations)

o       US supports Cubans (not officially) in rebellion b/c like Am Rev

-         Yellow Journalism- sensationalist reporting, exaggerated stories

o       Example- Cuban prisoners fed to dogs/sharks, “Blood Everywhere!” Cubans massacred

o       Stirs up Americans against the Spanish for being inhumane

-         War begins- US officially wants to negotiate

o       US battleship Maine sent to help evacuate American civilians

o       Maine blows up (accident? Sabotage?) – Spain blamed

o       Spanish ambassador insults Pres. McKinley

o       Result- Americans feel war is a must, McKinley not sure, but gives in and US declares war on Spain

-         The War- Spain not a real world power anymore, army not armed well, navy outdated, does not do well vs. US

-         The End of the War-

o       US gets to keep Puerto Rico, Guam

o       Cuba independent

o       Philippines part of US or no?

§         Yes- trade market, naval base in Asia, teach the uncivilized

§         No- empire cost too much money, Filipino labor will hurt US wages, dominating other countries should not be what the US is about

§         RESULT- part of US for $20 million

o       Filipinos- helped US fight Spanish but turned on US as being another occupier

§         Eventually settle down as reforms kicked in

o       Cuba- allowed to be independent if:

§         We get naval base

§         Foreigners can’t hold something over Cuba’s head

 

12-3

Election of 1900-

-         McKinley- good economy- wins, but assassinated

-         Bryan- anti-imperialism

 

Teddy Roosevelt- become president, wants to:

-         increase US power

-         increase power of US President

 

China- when defeated by Japan, everyone’s like “give me a piece!”

-         spheres of influence- 1 country controls economic development in a part of China

o       US- doesn’t want spheres, wants Open Door Policy- everyone can trade in all of China

o       Boxer Rebellion- Chinese rebel against foreign influence in Chinese culture

 

Japan- TR helps broker peace between Japan/Russia (surprised the world by doing so well)

-         Japan becomes chief rival w/ US in Asia

 

Great White Fleet- TR modernizes the US navy and sends battleships around the world to show our strength

-         most of the world is impressed

 

Panama Canal-

-         French started it, quit b/c costs too much, disease

-         US- took over canal rights from France, but Panama is part of Columbia, Columbia wants too much $

-         Panamanians want canal, revolt against Columbia (with US’s blessing)

-         US keeps Columbia from interfering

-         Panama becomes independent, US gets canal

 

Roosevelt Corollary- and addition to the Monroe Doctorine

-         Monroe Doct- Europe must stay out of affairs in this hemisphere

-         Roos Cor- The US will intervene in the affairs in his hemisphere to:

§         Have good neighbors

§         Protect the canal