Presidents
William McKinley
William McKinley
Timeline
1867- Seward buys Alaska from Russia
1868- Cuban first war for independence against Spain starts
1887- Businessmen convince the Hawaiian king to only allow property owning people to vote in Hawaii
1890- McKinley Tariff puts a tariff on Hawaiian sugar
1895 2nd Cuban war for independence starts
1896- Spanish Weyler went to Cuba to restore order
1898- US and Spain make a treaty
1900- Foraker Act sets up civil government in Puerto Rico
1904- Japan and Russia dispute Korean land
1917 Puerto Ricans are US citizens
1867- Seward buys Alaska from Russia
1868- Cuban first war for independence against Spain starts
1887- Businessmen convince the Hawaiian king to only allow property owning people to vote in Hawaii
1890- McKinley Tariff puts a tariff on Hawaiian sugar
1895 2nd Cuban war for independence starts
1896- Spanish Weyler went to Cuba to restore order
1898- US and Spain make a treaty
1900- Foraker Act sets up civil government in Puerto Rico
1904- Japan and Russia dispute Korean land
1917 Puerto Ricans are US citizens
Alfred Mahan urged US to build up a navy to compete with the European nations. US begins to build modern battleships and becomes the third largest naval power. In addition, factories begin to produce more than Americans can consume.
William Seward was the Secretary of State under Lincoln and Johnson. In 1867 he arranges the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million dollars. At first, he has trouble convincing the house to fund the purchase but later realizes that the purchase price was a good deal.
Hawaii was a primary stop for US merchants on the way to China and India. US begins to pressure Hawaii to allow a naval base at Pearl Harbor, a refueling station. Due to the 1890 McKinley tariff, it eliminates duty free status of Hawaiian sugar. Thus, planters call for US to annex the islands.
De Lome Letter calls President McKinley weak because he wants to avoid war and tries diplomacy to resolve the crisis. However, the public is easily swayed and angry leading to more tension.
Rough Riders were lead by Wood and Roosevelt who then lead the volunteer cavalry. Roosevelt is declared hero of attack on the strategic San Juan Hill. Spanish fleet tries to escape the blockade but is destroyed in the battle.
Puerto Rico was strategic as post in the Caribbean for protection of the future canal. In 1900, the Foraker Act sets up the civil government where the president appoints the governor and upper house. In 1917 Puerto Ricans are made US citizens which allows them to elect both houses.
Platt amendment was forced by the US to be put into the Cuban constitution. It did not allow debt or treaties that let foreign power control land, allowed US to intervene and buy or lease land for the navy. Soon after, Cuba became a protectorate- a country whose affairs are partly controlled by a stronger one.
John Hay was the US Secretary of State who issued the Open Door notes. The notes asked the imperialist nations to share trading rights with the US. In addition, other powers reluctantly agreed.
Panama Canal was wanted by the US to cut travel time of commercial and military ships. The US had to negotiate with Columbia to build the canal, but the talks break down. The French comapny agent helps organize the Panamanian rebellion with the US giving aid. In return, the US will pay $10 million for the canal.
Latin America was involved in the Roosevelt Corollary which stated that US were to use force to protect economic interests. This reminded Europeans of the Monroe Doctrine and demanded them to stay out. Roosevelt feared European intervention if Latin America defaults.
American Values
1. Many Americans believed hat the US had to expand or explode due to the influence of Europe.
2. Foreign trade during this time became increasingly important and valued.
3. Many people developed militarism while yellow journalism was developed for propaganda.
1. Many Americans believed hat the US had to expand or explode due to the influence of Europe.
2. Foreign trade during this time became increasingly important and valued.
3. Many people developed militarism while yellow journalism was developed for propaganda.
Constants and Changes
While imperialism was at its peak, economic system and jobs were changed, but the presence of agriculture and labor force remained the same. The annexation of Hawaii and Alaska caused many social disputes along with more economic prosperity. Although many jobs were given to citizens at this time, many relied heavily on their imperial ruler as well as living through harsh conditions with low wages.
While imperialism was at its peak, economic system and jobs were changed, but the presence of agriculture and labor force remained the same. The annexation of Hawaii and Alaska caused many social disputes along with more economic prosperity. Although many jobs were given to citizens at this time, many relied heavily on their imperial ruler as well as living through harsh conditions with low wages.