U.S. Imperialism: Acquiring New Lands and Foreign Influence
Explore the impact of U.S. imperialism through the acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico and Cuba following the Spanish-American War. Discover the control exerted by the U.S. over these regions and how it influenced local governance. Delve into U.S. economic interests in Cuba and foreign influence in China, including the Open Door policy. Uncover the complexities of territorial expansion and international relations during this period.
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-U.S. Imperialism- Acquiring New Lands Ch.10.3
Ruling Puerto Rico Puerto Rico had become an American territory as a result of the Spanish-American War. American forces landed in Puerto Rico in July of 1898. The commanding officer declared that the Americans were there to protect the Puerto Ricans. But, other U.S. military officials insulted the Puerto Ricans. They spoke to them as children and set limits on their personal freedom. Many Puerto Ricans began to resent the military gov. Therefore, in 190o, Congress passed the Foraker Act which ended military rule and set up a civil gov. in Puerto Rico.
The U.S. kept strict control over the people and their gov. In 1917, however, Congress gave all Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship. Why did some Puerto Ricans resent U.S. control of their government?
Cuba Cuba became officially independent after the Spanish American War. The U.S. army however, remained in Cuba for four years. It punished the Cubans who did not like American occupation. In 1900, the new Cuban gov. wrote its own Constitution. The U.S. insisted they add the Platt Amendment to their Constitution. The Platt Amendment limited Cuba s rights in dealing with other countries. It gave the U.S. special privileges, including the right to intervene to preserve order.
Cuba became a U.S. protectorate. A protectorate is a country whose affairs are partially controlled by a stronger power. The U.S. insisted on these rights because of its economic interests in Cuba and its geographical location. Cuba is only 90 miles from the coast of Florida. What did the U.S. do to protect their business interests in Cuba?
Foreign influence in China In 1899, many countries had economic interests in China. The U.S. wanted to be able to trade with China. The Secretary of State at the time, John Hay, sent a statement of this policy to other countries. His policy statements were called the Open Door Notes. The Open Door policy called for China s ports to remain open and for China to remain independent. No country would have special trading rights or privileges in China. Other countries around the world agreed.
In 1900, a secret society in China started a rebellion. They were protesting the influence of Western countries on China. Troops from many countries including the U.S. fought against these rebels. The rebels were known as Boxers. After the Boxer Rebellion was defeated, the U.S. issued more Open Door Notes to make sure other countries did not make colonies in China. Beginning in 1898, groups of peasants in northern China began to band together into a secret society known as I-ho ch' an ("Righteous and Harmonious Fists"), called the "Boxers" by Western press. Members of the secret society practiced boxing and callisthenic rituals (hence the nickname, the "Boxers") which they believed would make them imperviousto bullets. Why did Secretary John Hay issue the Open Door Notes?
The impact of U.S. territorial gains President William McKinley was reelected in 1900. His opponent had been an anti- imperialist. His name was William Jennings Bryan. The outcome of the election suggests that most Americans disagreed with Bryan. Obviously, the majority of Americans supported imperialism. Imperialism at the turn of the 20thcentury was popular.
What did McKinleys reelection show about American attitudes toward imperialism? An Anti-Imperialist League formed including some prominent Americans. Among its members were former president Grover Cleveland, Andrew Carnegie (millionaire and steel tycoon), Jane Addams (Progressive who started settlement houses for the poor in Chicago), and author Mark Twain. Each had their own reasons for being against imperialism. But all agreed it was WRONG for the United States to rule other people without their consent.
