5.1 American Expansionism and the Spanish-American War
4 min read•july 31, 2024
American expansionism in the late 19th century was driven by economic factors and the idea of . The closing of the frontier and rise of fueled the belief that overseas expansion was necessary for continued growth and global influence.
The 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
- , 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 (, , and the )
- 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 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
- , 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
- The amendment pledged to support Cuban independence and disclaimed any American intention to annex the island
- Key battles of the Spanish-American War included:
- in the Philippines, where Commodore defeated the Spanish fleet
- Battles of El Caney and San Juan Hill in Cuba, where future President 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
- 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 , 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
- to the Monroe Doctrine asserted American right to intervene in the region to maintain stability
- Construction of the (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
Key Terms to Review (21)
Alfred Thayer Mahan: Alfred Thayer Mahan was a United States naval officer and historian, best known for his influential theories on naval strategy and the importance of sea power in national policy. His ideas greatly impacted American expansionism and military strategies during the late 19th century, particularly in relation to the Spanish-American War, as he emphasized the need for a strong navy to protect interests and project power globally.
Anti-Imperialist League: The Anti-Imperialist League was an organization formed in 1898 to oppose the United States' expansionist policies, particularly in the context of imperialism following the Spanish-American War. The league believed that imperialism was fundamentally incompatible with American democratic principles and engaged in public debates, rallies, and publications to express their views against the annexation of territories such as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam.
Battle of Manila Bay: The Battle of Manila Bay was a naval engagement fought on May 1, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, where the United States Navy decisively defeated the Spanish fleet in the Philippines. This battle marked a significant moment in American expansionism, showcasing U.S. naval power and solidifying American presence in Asia, as well as contributing to the broader context of imperialism during the late 19th century.
Battle of San Juan Hill: The Battle of San Juan Hill was a significant military engagement during the Spanish-American War that took place on July 1, 1898, near Santiago de Cuba. It is best known for the valiant charge led by Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders, which played a pivotal role in the American victory and marked a turning point in the war, symbolizing American military prowess and expansionism.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of establishing control over foreign territories, often by settling populations and exploiting resources for the benefit of the colonizing country. This system has significant social, economic, and political implications, as it leads to the domination of one group over another, often resulting in cultural exchange, conflict, and resistance. In the context of American expansionism and the Spanish-American War, colonialism reflects the United States' desire to extend its influence beyond its borders, shaping international relations and imperialist policies in the late 19th century.
George Dewey: George Dewey was a United States naval officer best known for his victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War in 1898. His decisive command marked a pivotal moment in American expansionism, showcasing the U.S. Navy's modern capabilities and leading to the defeat of Spanish forces in the Philippines.
Guam: Guam is an island in the western Pacific Ocean that became a significant territory of the United States following the Spanish-American War in 1898. As a result of this war, Guam was ceded to the U.S. under the Treaty of Paris, establishing it as a strategic military outpost and a key location for American expansion in the Pacific.
Imperialism: Imperialism is a policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence over other nations or territories, often through colonization, military force, or economic dominance. It involves the domination of one nation over another, leading to the control of political, social, and economic structures. In the context of American expansionism and the Spanish-American War, imperialism showcases the United States' desire to expand its territory and exert its influence in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
Manifest destiny: Manifest destiny is the 19th-century belief that it was the United States' divine right and duty to expand its territory across the North American continent. This idea fueled American expansionism and justified actions like the annexation of Texas and the displacement of Native Americans, as it was seen as a mission to spread democracy and civilization.
Naval power: Naval power refers to the military capability and strength of a nation’s navy, including its warships, submarines, and support vessels, as well as the strategic use of these forces to protect maritime interests and project national influence. It plays a crucial role in international relations and conflicts, particularly during periods of expansionism and imperial ambitions.
Panama Canal: The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly reducing the maritime journey between the east and west coasts of the Americas. Its construction was completed in 1914 and marked a monumental achievement in engineering, facilitating international trade and military movement. The canal became a symbol of American expansionism as it played a crucial role in the nation's imperial ambitions and strategic interests during the early 20th century.
Philippines: The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, consisting of over 7,000 islands. Its significance in the context of American expansionism and the Spanish-American War stems from its strategic location, resource wealth, and the desire of the United States to establish a presence in the Pacific region following its victory in the war against Spain.
Platt Amendment: The Platt Amendment was a legislative provision passed in 1901 that outlined the terms under which the United States would end its military occupation of Cuba following the Spanish-American War. It effectively allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs, maintain a naval base at Guantanamo Bay, and restricted Cuba's ability to sign treaties with other nations, solidifying American influence in the region.
Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is an island territory of the United States located in the Caribbean, acquired following the Spanish-American War in 1898. This acquisition marked a significant shift in American expansionism, as it represented a new phase of imperialistic policies and the United States' role on the global stage.
Roosevelt Corollary: The Roosevelt Corollary was an extension of the Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, asserting that the United States had the right to intervene in Latin American countries to stabilize them if they were unable to maintain order and meet their international obligations. This policy reflected America's growing influence in the Western Hemisphere and justified interventions in several countries, marking a significant shift towards a more aggressive foreign policy.
Spanish-American War: The Spanish-American War was a conflict fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over issues of Cuban independence and American expansionism. This war marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy, as it resulted in the U.S. emerging as a global power and acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, further fueling the spirit of American expansionism during this era.
Teller Amendment: The Teller Amendment was a legislative measure passed by the United States Congress in April 1898, asserting that the U.S. would not annex Cuba following the Spanish-American War. This amendment aimed to reassure both the American public and international community that the U.S. military intervention in Cuba was solely for the purpose of liberating the island from Spanish rule, not for territorial expansion.
Theodore Roosevelt: Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909, known for his vigorous approach to both domestic and foreign policy. He championed progressive reforms and played a pivotal role in the conservation movement, advocating for the protection of natural resources and the establishment of national parks. Additionally, his assertive foreign policy during events like the Spanish-American War showcased his belief in American expansionism and military strength.
Treaty of Paris 1898: The Treaty of Paris 1898 was an agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, signed on December 10, 1898. This treaty marked a significant turning point in American expansionism as it resulted in Spain relinquishing its claims to Cuba, and ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, thus solidifying America’s role as a global power and expanding its territorial reach.
USS Maine: The USS Maine was an American battleship that sank in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, under mysterious circumstances. Its destruction became a catalyst for the United States' involvement in the Spanish-American War, symbolizing American imperial aspirations and the growing tensions between the U.S. and Spain over Cuba.
Yellow Journalism: Yellow journalism refers to a sensationalist style of newspaper reporting that emphasizes exaggerated stories and eye-catching headlines to attract readers. This approach often prioritizes entertainment over factual accuracy, leading to a skewed representation of events. During the late 19th century, yellow journalism played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing political decisions, particularly surrounding American expansionism and the Spanish-American War.