american imperialism

By: Jackie White

Danvers High School

Warm-Up

In your opinion, which statement best characterizes the motivations behind American foreign policy in the 20th century?

#1“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.”

– George Washington, Farewell address, 1796

#2“[America’s] glory is not dominion, but liberty. Her march is the march of the mind. She has a spear and a shield, but the motto upon her shield is Freedom, Independence, Peace. This has been her declaration. This has been, as far as her necessary intercourse with the rest of mankind would permit, her practice.

– John Quincy Adams, Speech to the House of Representatives, July 4, 1821

#3“When I next realized that the Philippines had dropped into our laps I confess I did not know what to do with them. . . And one night late it came to me this way. . .1) That we could not give them back to Spain- that would be cowardly and dishonorable; 2) that we could not turn them over to France and Germany-our commercial rivals in the Orient-that would be bad business and discreditable; 3) that we not leave them to themselves-they are unfit for self-government-and they would soon have anarchy and misrule over there worse than Spain's wars; and 4) that there was nothing left for us to do but to take them all, and to educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize and Christianize them, and by God's grace do the very best we could by them, as our fellow-men for whom Christ also died.”

– William McKinley, The Christian Advocate, January 1903

#4“The peace of tyrannous terror, the peace of craven weakness, the peace of injustice, all these should be shunned as we shun unrighteous war. The goal to set before us as a nation, the goal which should be set before all mankind, is the attainment of the peace of justice, of the peace which comes when each nation is not merely safe-guarded in its own rights, but scrupulously recognizes and performs its duty toward others.”

– Theodore Roosevelt, Address to Congress, 1904

#5“What do nations care about the cost of war, if by spending a few hundred millions in steel and gunpowder they can gain a thousand millions in diamonds and cocoa?”

– W.E.B. Du Bois, The Atlantic Monthly, 1915

#6“This nation has placed its destiny in the hands and heads and hearts of its millions of free men and women; and its faith in freedom under the guidance of God. Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights or keep them. Our strength is our unity of purpose.”

- Franklin Roosevelt, Address to Congress, 1941

#7“We’ve never been a colonial power. We don’t take our force and go around the world and try to take other people’s real estate or other people’s resources, their oil. That’s just not what the United States does. We never have and we never will. That’s not how democracies behave. That’s how an empire-building Soviet Union behaved but that’s not how the United States behaves.”

– Donald Rumsfeld, Interview with Al Jazeera TV, February 27, 2003

What is the definition of “Empire”?

Was the United States an empire in the 20th century?

Key Question: What is an empire?

Learning Objectives:Students will understand the meaning of

the word empire by creating their own definitions.

What does super mean?

What does power mean?

What is a super power?

Superpower-military supremacy, economic power, global influence, technological and scientific prowess, and world wide alliances.

Military supremacy, economic power, global influence, technological and scientific prowess, and world wide alliances.

How does a country become a superpower?

An extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority, formerly esp. an emperor or empress.a group of nations or peoples ruled over by an emperor, empress, or other powerful sovereign or government: usually a territory of greater extent than a kingdom, as the former British Empire, French Empire, Russian Empire, Byzantine Empire, or Roman Empire.

supreme power in governing; imperial power; sovereignty supreme control; absolute sway:

Create your own definition of empire using the 4 square model: definition, examples, used in a sentence, & visualization.

Working Definition: a transnational political formation by which a state exerts power over another subordinated society, territory and

peoples.

Political control exercised by one organized political unit over another unit separate from and alien to

it. But need not mean direct rule exercised by formal occupation by one unit within a

community of units not under a single authority. Imperial power rules over subordinates.

Imperialism by definition, empire is the negation of political freedom, liberation, and self-

determination.

Definition: Empire- a transactional political formation by which a state exerts power over another subordinated society, territory, and peoples.Political control exercised by one organized political unit over another unit separate from and alien to it. But need not mean direct rule exercised by formal occupation by one unit within a community of units not under a single authority. Imperial power rules over subordinates. Imperialism by definition, empire is the negation of political freedom, liberation, and self-determination.

Examples: Roman, Ottoman, British, French, American, etc.

Used in a sentence:  The United States began creating an empire when it annexed Hawaii at the turn of the 20th century.

Visual:   

Who is the central figure in the

cartoon?

What is he holding?

What is he doing?

Who might the smaller men

represent?

What are they doing?

What is this cartoon a visual

representation of?

The British Empire, the

French Empire, the Roman

Empire, etc.

Do you think that the United States engaged in imperialist actions? If so, can you think of any examples?

Link to video from Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the American Empire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arn3lF5XSUg

Click on Time Rime timeline and identify 3 instances when the U.S. appeared to engage in imperialistic actions.

http://www.timerime.com/en/timeline/1203060/US+and+the+World+Expressions+of+Power+Past+and+Present/

“Was the United States an empire in the 20th century?”

What were possible motivations behind American actions?

Key Questions:What are the arguments in favor of and against American expansion?

Learning Objectives:Students will understand the major arguments in favor of and against imperialism and be able to explain their personal opinion.

Activity: Click the Imperialist Reasoning Guide link on the next page and check the response that corresponds with your beliefs.

Move around the room to indicate your level of agreement with each of the statements.

As a group discuss the reasons for your beliefs.

Select a group spokesperson to share the groups reasoning with the rest of the class.

Each group shares their beliefs and discusses the merits and drawbacks of each position.

Key Questions: What factors motivate American expansion? Learning Objectives:Students will understand the various factors that motivate American expansion and be able to identify them in a Pears Soap Advertisement.

Main Idea: Beginning in 1867 and continuing through the century, global competition, economic, military, & political factors caused the United States to expand.

Why It Matters Now: During this time period, the United States acquired Hawaii and Alaska, both of which became states in 1959.

What do you notice about this picture?

Everyone can see the picture so everyone can notice something.

Once a student notices something the class will stick with it until there is nothing else to notice.

What are the various motives for American imperialism illustrated in the Pear soap advertisement?

When should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of another country?

George Washington was appointed president for 2 terms in 1789.

At the end of his presidency, George Washington passed 2 very important documents which shaped the beginning of U.S. foreign policy.

The issue being considered was US involvement in the French Revolution.

States that the US will be neutral to any foreign conflict and not have permanent alliances.

The Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793 provided the basis for United States foreign policy until World War 1 and World War 2.

Washington warned the nation to steer clear of any permanent alliance with Europe because he believed European and American interest were different.

Stressed trade and warned against "entangling alliances."◦

This policy of isolationism lasted until the Boxer Rebellion.

During the Early Republic America practiced a policy of isolationism.

A policy to remain neutral in world conflicts and not form permanent alliances with other countries.

19th century doctrine in which the U.S. believed it had the “God given right” to expand into the whole North American continent

The closing of the frontier in 1890 marked the end to westward expansion in the U.S.

Manifest destiny encouraged the US to expand to spread American culture, Christian religion, and democratic government abroad

Policy in which stronger nations seek to extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker nations.

1. Political: Global Competition

2. Military: Desire for military strength

3. Economic: Thirst for new markets

4. Cultural: Belief in cultural superiority of Anglo Saxon race

European nations competed for territory in Africa & Asia, especially China,.

Japan began modernizing

Japan joined other European nations in competing for China.

Alfred T Mahan urged the U.S. to build up its navy power in order to compete with other powerful nations which transformed the U.S. into the 3rd largest naval power in the world.

Great White Fleet

19th century advances in technology enabled farmers and factories to produce far more goods than Americans could consume.

The U.S. needed raw materials for the factories and new markets for U.S. goods.

U.S. had a responsibility to spread Christianity, and civilization to uplift “inferior people”

Used to justify imperialism

Ticket to leave index card: What were 3 of America’s motives for expansion illustrated in the Pear’s Soap advertisement?

Key Questions: Was the American annexation of Hawaii justified?

Learning Objectives:Students will evaluate whether the American

annexation of Hawaii was justified and be able to write a report on America’s actions.

Skills: Write a report using textual evidence to support an argument.

Beginning in 1867 and continuing through the century, global competition caused the United States to expand.

Why It Matters Now: During this time period, the United States acquired Hawaii and Alaska, both of which became states in 1959.

William Seward a supporter of American expansion arranged to buy Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, or .02 cents per acre.

They called it “Seward’s Ice box”

It was rich in timber, minerals, & oil

No one lived on the island the event did not attract much attention

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=942&bih=625&q=midway%20islands&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

In the 1820’s American missionaries founded Christian schools and churches on the island.

A missionary is a member of a religious group sent into an area to carry on ministries of the Word of God

The missionaries children and grandchildren grew up to be sugar planters on the island.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

What are the people in the painting doing?Who in the photo appears to have power? How can you tell?What might this be a painting of?Who might the person on the horse represent?

In 1875, U.S. agreed to import Hawaiian sugar duty (tax) free.

McKinley Tariff of 1890 eliminated the duty (tax) free status of Hawaiian sugar causing American planters to face competition in U.S. market

American planters wanted to US to annex Hawaii so they would not have to pay the duty

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Since the 1790’s U.S. merchant ships stopped in Hawaii on their way to China and East India

1887 U.S. military leaders pressured Hawaii to build a naval base at Pearl Harbor which became a refueling station for American ships

Hawaii had a monarchy form of government led by King Kalakaua

American business leaders forced the king to amend Hawaii’s constitution to give voting rights only to wealthy landowners

He died in 1891 and his sister came to power.

Queen Liliuokalani succeeded her brother.

Promoted a “Hawaii for Hawaiians” agenda

Proposed removing property owning qualifications for voting which would allow for more Hawaiians to vote

Wealthy American plantation owners did not want the property owning qualifications removed so they organized a revolution and with the help of the U.S. Marines they overthrew the queen and set up a government led by American Sanford Dole.

Imagine you are a special investigator sent by the President to write a summary of the events that transpired and the role that Americans played in the annexation of Hawaii. Evaluate whether or not the US was justified in taking over Hawaii using textual evidence to support your claim.

Read the excerpt from Michner’s sweeping saga about the poiwer struggle between the native Hawaiians and the American sugar planters.

Was the US justified in taking over Hawaii, why or why not?

U.S. imported Hawaiian sugar duty (tax) free.

McKinley Tariff (1890) removed the duty free status of Hawaiian sugar.

U.S. sugar planters on the island sold most of their crop to U.S.

U.S. sugar planters call for the U.S. to annex (take over) Hawaii so they don’t have to pay the duty/tax.

President Grover Cleveland directed that the queen be restored to her throne

He refused to consider annexation of the Republic of Hawaii unless the majority of the Hawaiians voted in favor of it

William McKinley succeeded Cleveland as president

He favored annexationOn August 12, 1898

Congress proclaimed Hawaii a U.S. territory although the Hawaiians never had a chance to vote

In 1959 Hawaii became the 50th state in the U.S.

U.S. Marines overthrew Queen Liluokalani

President William McKinley favored annexing Hawaii

1898 Congress proclaimed Hawaii an American territory

1959 Hawaii became the 50th state

http://ahiv.alexanderstreet.com/View/777561

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/hawaii/program.html

By Jackie White

Ms. White’s History Blog

Key Questions: What were the causes of U.S. intervention in Cuba?What role does media play in influencing U.S. foreign policy?

Content Objective:Students will be able to identify the main reasons why the U.S. declared war on Spain or three causes of U.S. intervention in Cuba.

Skill Objective: Students will demonstrate the media’s potential to sway public opinion and even to dictate events by creating their own newspaper story on the sinking of the USS Maine.

Main Idea: In 1898, the United States went to war to help Cuba gain its independence from Spain.

Why It Matters Now: U.S. involvement in Latin America & Asia increased greatly and still continues today.

• Have you ever been shocked or angered by something you heard?

• How did you react?

• Did you consider whether or not what you heard was true?

Do you think that the media uses sensational or exaggerated stories today to sway public opinion or to influence people to act a certain way?

What examples can you think of?

Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, & Cuba

Anti-Spanish sentiment erupted in Cuba in a war for independence from Spain.

Cubans launched a revolution against Spain in 1895

American capitalist invested millions of dollars in large sugar plantations on the island located 90 miles south of Florida.

American journalists traveled to Cuba in 1896 during Cuban's second war for independence from Spain

Wrote stories about the Spanish atrocities.

The journalists often exaggerated the stories to boost sales of their newspaper as well as to arouse American sympathies for Cubans.

A Cuban poet & journalist

Launched Cuba's second revolution for independence in 1895

He used guerilla tactics deliberately destroyed American owned sugar plantations and mills in hopes of provoking the U.S. to intervene on behalf of the Cubans.

A Spanish General Sent to Cuba to

restore orderHe herded Cubans

into barbed wire concentration camps

Thousands died from hunger and disease.

New York World, March 29, 1898, 1.

When McKinley took office in 1897 Americans were demanding intervention in Cuba.

He tried to solve the conflict diplomatically.

Spain offered Cubans a limited self government and modified concentration camps.

1. Yellow Journalism2. De Lome Letter3. Sinking of the

U.S.S. Maine

1. Yellow Journalism “Headline Wars” William Randolph Hearst- New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer- New York World printed exaggerated stories to lure readers and to deepen American sympathy for the Cuban rebels.

"You furnish the pictures and I'll furnish the war.“ ~ Hearst

Puck 34 (June 3, 1896): p. 1.

Cuban Babes Prey to Famine

Thousands of Children of the Reconcentrados Perishing in Island Towns

Sights that Sicken Strong Men

2. The De Lome Letter: In 1898, a rebel stole a copy of a private letter sent from the Spanish minister to President McKinley and it was published in the newspaper. De Lome criticized McKinley calling him "weak" and "a bidder for the admiration of the crowd." Americans were outraged by the insult to their President. Spain apologized and De Lome resigned.

President McKinley ordered the U.S.S. battleship Maine to Cuba to bring home American citizens in danger and to protect American property

3. Sinking of the U.S.S. Maine:A few days after the DeLome letter was published the U.S.S. battleship Maine blew up in Havana Harbor killing 260 men. The U.S. wanted to know what caused the explosion.

PRETEND YOU ARE AN AMERICAN JOURNALIST ASSIGNED TO COVER THIS STORY.

CREATE A NEWSPAPER HEADLINE

A PICTUREA SHORT STORY (1

PARAGRAPH) USE THE FACTS YOU

ARE GIVEN. ANY ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION YOU INCLUDE CAN BE SPECULATIVE.

WHAT: U.S.S. BATTLESHIP MAINE EXPLOSION

WHERE: HAVANNA CUBA

WHEN: FEBRUARY 15, 1898 9:40 PM

260 AMERICAN SAILORS KILLED

Read your newspaper headline & story to the class.Based on the news stories what might Americans

conclude caused the Maine to explode? Who was primarily responsible for causing the

explosion? How might the U.S. respond based on this

information?

Who is to blame for the explosion?

Is the story biased? If so, towards whom?

Examples of biased words?

How might Americans react or respond to this story?

What caused the USS Maine to explode?

Who was assisting in the relief efforts?

Who was NOT responsible for coordinating the destruction of the Maine?

Is this story biased? If so whom towards?

How might American citizens react or respond to reading this news story?

Who wrote this letter?

When was the letter written?

What is the purpose of the letter?

What might have been the cause of the explosion?

How should the U.S. respond to the explosion?

Which account of the explosion, the letter of the newspaper story, is more reliable/valid? Explain why.

After reading the background information, the letter, and newspaper headlines explain what you believe caused the Maine to explode.

In 1976 navy researchers examined the hull of the ship & concluded a massive internal explosion caused the ships damage.

Most likely a spontaneous fire in a coal bunker ignited a nearby supply of weapons.

The Spanish government agreed to a cease fire and gave into U.S. demands.

Despite this public opinion favored going to war with Spain.

McKinley asked Congress for authority to use force against Spain and a week later the U.S. declared war.

Spain thought the U.S. would invade Cuba but the first battle of the war took place on the Spanish colony of the Philippines.

A small professional force supplemented by an ill-prepared volunteer force

125,000 Americans volunteered to fight

Training camps lacked adequate supplies and effective leaders

Not enough modern gunsHeavy woolen uniforms

not suitable for Cuba's tropical climate

Many Civil War veterans

Commodore of the U.S. Navy in the Pacific

Attacked the Spanish fleet at Manila (capital of the Philippines) and destroyed every Spanish ship there within hours

Demonstrated the superiority of the U.S. navy

Dewey landed in the Philippines with U.S. troops.

He had the support of the Filipinos who wanted independence from Spain.

Led the Filipino rebels with the U.S. troops.

Minneapolis Journal, May 6, 1898, p. 6.

Also published in theChicago Times-Herald,New Orleans Picayune,

and Los Angeles Times

Hostilities began with a naval blockade of Cuba

A volunteer cavalry unity under the command of Theodore Roosevelt

Part of a famous battle near Santiago Cuba featured a dramatic uphill charge by the Rough Riders

The victory cleared the way for an infantry attack on the strategically important San Juan Hill.

In August Spanish troops surrendered to the U.S.Spanish-American War video clip

“Our nation covets no territory; it desires to hold no people against their will…”

-Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1934

“We covet no territory, and we have no imperialistic ambitions”

-Sumner Welles, US Secretary of State, 1941

"Our nations covet no territory...only a safer world." -Donald Rumsfeld, 2003. on the US and Britain in Iraq

Indicate your level of agreement with the following statements: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral/Undecided, Disagree, Strongly

Disagree

“America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words - within our borders, and around the world.”

-President Barack H. Obama (2009)

Indicate your level of agreement with the following statements: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral/Undecided, Disagree, Strongly Disagree

Article in the magazine “Forum” in December 1929, by Hiram Motherwell. “The American Empire”

“The time has come for us to recognize that the

United States is really an imperialistic nation. There

really is an American empire”

Article in the magazine “Forum” in December 1929, by Hiram Motherwell. “The American Empire”

“I should like to see every primary school give a course on the American Empire…I should like to see every American child grow up taking this empire for granted, just as every English child grows up taking the British Empire for granted”