US+Imperialism

Americans had to solve problems with Reconstruction and Industrialization - then they began buillding again after the Civil War had interrupted Manifest Destiny. American knew that they needed a strong Navy, Japan decided they didn't want outsiders in their area - so the US entered into negotiations with the emperor of Japan.
 * Expansion in the Pacific**

Americans sailed to Japan to deliver a letter to the emperor from the president. Japan decided to grant the small amount of trade the president had asked for. The Americans began sailing to other Japanese ports to take their goods/resources, but were constantly in negotiations.
 * A Letter to the Emperor**

The Kanaka were building stores and hotels and the Americans were unhappy. The Kanaka did traditional things that the Americans didn't understand. Queen Liliuokalani (of Hawaii) turned over her thrown and begged the US to give her her thrown back. While Congress debated, Hawaii declared its independence, but ultimately they were forced to give up their control.
 * Footholds in the Pacific**

The Maine was a 2nd class battle ship stationed in Havana - stationed there to find "Cuban rebels". The Maine exploded suddenly and 100+ people were killed. What exactly happened is still unknown.
 * Remember the Maine**

After the Maine sunk the newspapers (which weren't very popular) began covering the story. The World and The Journal were the two biggest papers covering the story, so they fought to get more readers by making the stories "more interesting". The World was the first newspaper to run colored comics.
 * Yellow Journalism**

US asked Spain to stop fighting in Cuba. Spain agrees, McKinley asks to use force, war is declared.
 * A Splendid Little War (Spanish-American War)**

The Navy was ready and on their way back from Hong Kong they head off to the Philippines to fight Spain there. They found the Spanish at Manilla Bay, US conquers in the Philippines.
 * Back to the Pacific**

Teddy Roosevelt took a group of men and went to invade in Cuba. They go through hot, disgusting weather, it is a hard-fought battle, but ultimately the Americans repel the Spaniards.
 * Rough Riders**

Following the war there is a lot of talk about Manifest Destiny, people suggest the US assume world power. Congress calls for the annexation of Spanish territories. Debates occur about whether or not the United States should become an empire. Spain thought the US would annex Cuba and suggested they take over their debt - the US said no thanks. The American army already controlled parts of the Philippines - many Americans thought the Filipinos were to uncivilized to govern themselves and wanted to help them out. The Philippines expected support in their independence from the US since they had supported Cuba and Hawaii - the Filipinos tried to fight back, but the US controlled the Philippines until after WWII.
 * A Gift from the Gods**

European countries are forming "spheres of influence"/"spheres of trade" in China - China didn't like this and wanted them out, and the emperor gave a speech about kicking them out to the Chinese ports in one general area. The people were very unhappy and wanted to drive foreigners out. The "Boxers" rebelled and wanted to overthrow the empire, but then the empire used them to their advantage by having them help drive out the foreigners. International soldiers then ransacked the capital, and while the emperor got away, he did not come back to power.
 * Boxer Rebellion**

President McKinley was assassinated and Teddy Roosevelt became president. Roosevelt wanted a canal built in central America for trade purposes. Roosevelt offers to pay Columbia for a 50 mile strip of land in Panama. The Panamanians rebel, and Roosevelt sends help for their new government. Rebels accept Roosevelt's $10 million for 10 mile canal zone. The army engineers dig the canal.
 * The Panama Canal**

Between the Spanish American War and the Great Depression the US troops were sent to Latin America 32 times. Roosevelt had the right to stop wrong-doing throughout the western hemisphere, according to the US. Nicaragua was a popular place for US businesses, and the US kept police there for several decades.
 * US Intervention in Latin America**