5.1 American Expansionism and the Spanish-American War

American expansionism in the late 19th century was driven by economic factors and the idea of Manifest Destiny. The closing of the frontier and rise of naval power fueled the belief that overseas expansion was necessary for continued growth and global influence.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy. It resulted in the acquisition of overseas territories and established America as a colonial power, setting the stage for increased global involvement in the 20th century.

American Expansionism in the Late 19th Century

Motivations for American Expansionism

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• The concept of Manifest Destiny asserted that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent, significantly motivating American expansionism in the late 19th century
• Economic factors drove American expansionism during this period
  • Desire for new markets to sell American goods
  • Need for raw materials to fuel American industries
  • Opportunities for investment in foreign lands
• The closing of the American frontier, as declared by the 1890 Census, led to concerns about the future of American growth
  • Belief that overseas expansion was necessary for continued economic and political growth
  • Fear that without new frontiers, American society would stagnate

Rise of American Naval Power and Overseas Expansion

• The rise of American naval power contributed to the idea that the United States should establish a global presence
  • Alfred Thayer Mahan, a naval strategist, argued that a strong navy was essential for national power and international influence
  • Mahan's ideas gained popularity among politicians and the public
• The Spanish-American War of 1898 was a pivotal event in American expansionism
  • Resulted in the acquisition of overseas territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines)
  • Marked a significant shift in American foreign policy towards global involvement
  • Demonstrated the growing power and influence of the United States on the world stage

The Spanish-American War

Causes of the Spanish-American War

• The Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, which began in 1895, was a major catalyst for the Spanish-American War
  • Many Americans sympathized with the Cuban rebels and supported their fight for freedom
  • American businesses had significant investments in Cuba and feared instability
• The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, heightened tensions between the United States and Spain
  • The cause of the sinking was inconclusive, but Spain was blamed by the American public and media
  • The event further fueled American support for war with Spain
• Yellow journalism, practiced by newspapers such as William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer's New York World, sensationalized events in Cuba
  • Exaggerated and sometimes fabricated stories of Spanish atrocities against Cubans
  • Contributed to public outrage and demand for American intervention

Key Events and Consequences of the War

• The United States declared war on Spain on April 25, 1898, following the passage of the Teller Amendment
  • The amendment pledged to support Cuban independence and disclaimed any American intention to annex the island
• Key battles of the Spanish-American War included:
  • Battle of Manila Bay in the Philippines, where Commodore George Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet
  • Battles of El Caney and San Juan Hill in Cuba, where future President Theodore Roosevelt led the Rough Riders
• The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, ended the Spanish-American War
  • The United States acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain
  • Cuba gained independence, although it remained under American influence
  • The war resulted in the United States emerging as a colonial power with overseas territories

Impact of the Spanish-American War on American Power

Shift in American Foreign Policy

• The Spanish-American War marked a significant shift in American foreign policy
  • The United States emerged as a world power with overseas territories and interests
  • The war set a precedent for American intervention in foreign conflicts and affairs
• The acquisition of the Philippines led to a debate over American imperialism
  • Anti-imperialists argued against the annexation of foreign territories, citing principles of self-determination and the Constitution
  • Imperialists believed that the United States had a duty to spread its values and influence globally

Increased American Influence in the Caribbean and Latin America

• The Platt Amendment, passed in 1901, gave the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs
  • Established a permanent American naval base at Guantanamo Bay
  • Demonstrated increased American influence and control over Cuba
• The Spanish-American War set the stage for future American interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine asserted American right to intervene in the region to maintain stability
  • Construction of the Panama Canal (1904-1914) expanded American strategic and economic interests in the region

Global Power Dynamics and Colonial Territories

• The Spanish-American War heightened tensions between the United States and other colonial powers
  • Germany, in particular, viewed the United States as a rival in the Pacific and Caribbean
  • The United States sought to assert its newfound global influence and protect its interests
• The war had significant consequences for the territories acquired by the United States
  • Puerto Rico became an unincorporated territory, neither fully independent nor a state
  • The Philippines experienced a prolonged period of American colonial rule, leading to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902)
  • Guam became an important American naval base in the Pacific