The Height of US Imperialism

The American-Filipino War, 1898-1902/1913

On the eve of the vote to ratify the Treaty of Paris, Filipinos rose in revolt against the U.S. army of occupation. The U.S., which had just fought for democracy in Cuba, was now in a war to suppress it in the Philippines…

• Elements of the American Occupation– Like Spain did in Cuba, the Americans set up

Concentration camps to harbor communities suspected of harboring guerrillas.

– 15,000 Filipinos died in the fighting.– An estimated 50,000 – 200,000 died from

gunfire, disease, starvation.

Filipino dead after the first day of fighting,

American-Filipino War

End of the American-Filipino War

• William Taft was appointed “Governor-General” by President McKinley in 1900.– Intended to prepare Philippines for independence– Set up provisional government– USA occupied Philippines until 1946

Controlling CubaThe US made it clear from the beginning that, though they

fought for Cuban independence, Cuba would become more of a US Colony than a independent nation.

• The Platt Amendment (1901)(Proposed by President McKinley, Added to the Cuban Constitution)

1. Cuba would not be able to make treaties with foreign powers.2. The US would have authority to intervene in Cuban

political/military affairs.3. Cuba would sell or lease land to the US for naval bases.

“Spheres of Influence” in China

• 1899 – John Hay (McKinley’s Sec’t of State) sent notes to all the European powers (and Japan) to persuade them to dominate China economically, but not politically.– Kept market of China open to

US goods.

• 1900 – “Boxer” Rebellion– US helped crush rebellion with

troops from Philippines to ensure free trade.

– After, “Spheres of Influence” became accepted policy.

Except for the Philippines and Guam, the US had made no attempt to control lands in Asia because other foreign powers were well established there.

Spheres of Influence

How does the cartoon above accurately represent “Spheres of Influence?”

Panama

• As we discussed from the video yesterday…1. How did Panama

become a country?

2. Why was the Panama Canal built?

3. Why is the building of the Panama Canal labeled as “Imperialistic?”

New Foreign Policy Ideas…

“Big Stick Diplomacy”

What do you think Teddy Roosevelt meant when he said “Speak softly and carry a big stick?”

The “Great White Fleet”

• In 1907, TR sent the US Navy on a mission to tour the great ports of the world to show off US naval power.

Dollar Diplomacy

• Taft’s policy not as aggressive as TR.– “Substitute

dollars for bullets.”

• Investing in Latin American countries will ensure political stability, favorable relations.

“Dollar Diplomacy”

Moral Diplomacy

• Wilson applied “legalistic and moral standards” to foreign policy decisions.

• Ex: Mexican Revolution– 1913, General Victoriano

Huerta violently overthrows Mex. President Francisco Madero.

• US Companies insist we recognize new gov’t.

– Over $1 Billion invested in Mex.

• Wilson refuses, backs Venustiano Carranza.

– US Navy occupies Veracruz

– Huerta resigns.

US Imperialism, 1890-1920