This document summarizes key aspects of U.S. imperialism in the late 19th century, including its first overseas venture in Cuba against Spain in the Spanish-American War of 1898. It then discusses the U.S. colonization of the Philippines despite Filipino resistance, sparking debates in the U.S. over imperialism. Reasons for and against U.S. imperialism included economic interests in new markets and resources, strategic competition with Europe, and differing views on whether non-white peoples were capable of self-government.

1. U.S. Imperialism
HI 202 Spring 2015

2. ● Imperialism:
● When one country extends its control over the territory,
political system, or economic life of another country
● Usually involves the establishment of colonies

3. ● 1st overseas imperialist venture for the US
● Cuba
● Wanted independence from Spain
● America supported
● Spain Declared War on US
● US Victory:
● Gained Spain’s colonies of Guam, Puerto Rico,
Philippines, Cuba (granted independence)
Spanish American War, 1898

5. ● US established as permanent colony
● Pres. McKinley:
● US should “take” the Philippines to educate, uplift,
Christianize and “civilize” the Filipinos
● (a product of westward expansion, manifest destiny and
ethnocentrism)
● Why else did US want this colony?
● Economic base for US in Asia
Philippines

6. ● The Filipinos strongly resisted American colonization
● Although the terrain favored the Filipinos, the US won
due to superior weaponry
● Both sides employed methods of harsh tortures
● The US navy cut all supply lines to the islands and the
Filipinos had no allies
● The war and tremendous resistance of the Filipinos
inspired critiques/debates in the US over American
colonization and imperialism
Philippine-American War (1899-
1902)

7. ● http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tAgg3OCtls

8. ● Turn of the Century Imperialism:
● Was it really a significant break with the past?
● Some historians argue that the US had always been
imperialistic in its takeover of the West—once they ran
out of continental territory they began to expand
overseas.

9. ● Economic
● Pro: colonies will make markets for goods produced
in US factories and the colonies will provide raw
materials for American factories
● Con: tax money should be used for domestic
purposes
● Strategic
● Pro: competition with Europe
● Con: could make the US more vulnerable if the
military is spread around the world trying to protect
colonies
Imperialism debate in the US

10. ● Moral/Racial:
● Pro: “White Man’s Burden”/ “Civilizing” Mission
● Con: other people are actually capable of self-
government