Economic Dislocation and Reform in the Age of Empire and World War (1890-1945) Flashcards
Alfred Thayer Mahan
Historian and retired admiral who stressed the importance of naval power and colonies in achieving and maintaining world influence.
The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 (Alfred Thayer Mahan)
1890 book that pushed for the US to develop a strong navy and create an overseas Empire, as opposed to the current state in which the US kept their influence to the North American continent.
The White Man’s Burden (Rudyard Kipling)
Argued that it was the duty of white Americans to civilize the less fortunate.
Josiah Strong
Protestant clergyman who argued that the Anglo-Saxon race had a responsibility to “civilize and Christianize” the world.
World’s Columbian Exposition
1893, where a sideshow of “exotic” peoples of the world was presented to showgoers.
The Reason Why the Colored American Is Not in the World’s Columbian Exposition (Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells)
Pamphlet critical of the racism in the World’s Columbian Exposition.
Queen Liliuokalani
Ruler of Hawaii.
Sanford Dole
Identify:
- Reasoning behind his actions
Pineapple grower who urged the US to intervene in Hawaii after tensions between businessmen - whose massive sugar plantations undermined the Hawaiian economy - and the Queen emerged.
Coup in Hawaii
Americans staged a coup in 1893 and instated Sanford Dole as the leader of a provisional government. Annexation did not occur until 1898.
American Anti-Imperialist League
Identify:
- Important member
Formed after the Spanish-American War. It was a coalition of conservative Democrats (Bourbon Democrats) and progressive elements.
Mark Twain was the vice president from 1901 to 1910 and wrote scathing criticisms of imperialism.
Difference between American Imperialism and Earlier Acquisitions
Opponents of Imperialism argued that previous acquisitions (Louisiana Purchase, Mexican Cession) were intended to absorb Americans and create the opportunity for statehood. However, ruling far off islands would be ruling a foreign people, much like how Great Britain ruled over the 13 colonies.
Racist Argument against Imperialism
They feared that acquiring new territory (eg. Philippines) would result in an influx of non-whites. They feared that an influx of people from American colonies would undermine the bargaining power of American workers.
Valeriano Weyler
Spanish governor of Cuba who suppressed an independence rebellion using concentration camps, resulting in the death of about a quarter of Cuba’s rural population.
American Intervention in Cuba
Identify:
- 2 reasons why
- Americans saw parallels between Cuba’s struggle against Spain with their own independence war.
- American businessmen were angered by the interruption of the sugar harvest.
Yellow Journalism Effects on American Perception of Spanish Cuba
Used sensationism, with disregard of objectivity and truth. Newspapers used it to build support for war against Spain, condemning the actions of “Butcher” Valeriano Weyler.
Sinking of the USS Maine
Blown up in harbor at Havana. Many thought this was done by Spain, especially after American newspaper blamed Spain, despite a lack of evidence. This triggered the Spanish-American War.
George Dewey
Allied American forces with Filipino rebels to take the capital.
San Juan Hill (Spanish-American War)
Key battle for Cuba.
Rough Riders
Used to describe Theodore Roosevelt and his men in Cuba. It made headlines in American newspapers, elevating Roosevelt’s status.
Treaty of Paris (Spanish-American War)
Signed in 1898. Spain gave up the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the US, and the US paid Spain 20 million.
Cuba After Spanish-American War
Gained nominal independence. The US was allowed to intervene with Cuban affairs, and the US leased a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
Platt Amendment
Allowed the US to militarily intervene in Cuban affairs if deemed necessary. It limited the Cuban government’s foreign policy and the ability to manage its debts. American troops intervened 3 times between 1902 and 1920.
Follow the Flag
Expansionist argument that residents of American colonies should not expect citizenship or basic constitutional rights.
Insular Cases
Series of 1901 cases that deemed it unnecessary to give constitutional rights to colonial subjects. The decisions were based on the assumption that colonial subjects were an inferior race.