Reasons to imperialize
1. Sell US Products Overseas(Jobs) = $$ for the US
2. Spread Christianity
American Exceptionalism
idea that the US had a unique destiny to foster democracy and civilization
Influence of Sea Power Upon History
Alfred Thayer Mahan - argued that the US had to have a powerful navy to be a world power
Spanish-American War
1. 1895: Cubans rebelled against Spain
2. Spanish put Cubans in camps as punishment(200k died of starvation & disease)
3. Yellow journalists(click bait) sensationalized the events(Hearst & Pulitzer)
4. De Lome Letter printed in newspapers
5. Spanish minis
USS Main
The USS Maine was sent to Cuba to protect US interests, SUNK in the Havana Harbor --- killed 260 men. "Remember the Maine", McKinley pledged to help Cuba get independence.
Teller Amendment
Prohibits US from taking Cuba
War of 1898
Teddy Roosevelt led the Rough Riders. Commodore George Dewey, commander of the Pacific fleet, destroyed the Spanish Navy
Cuba
San Juan Hill - US victory. Spanish surrendered. Combat casualties low but disease caused death.