American Imperialism: Cuba & Motives

• The American imperialism era spanned roughly from the late 19th century to the early 20th century

Cuba

• Cuba was a significant focus of American imperialism due to its proximity to the United States and its economic potential
• The Spanish-American War of 1898 resulted in Cuba's liberation from Spanish rule but led to significant American influence
• The Platt Amendment (1901) granted the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs to preserve order and protect American interests
• The US established a naval base at Guantanamo Bay, which continues to exist today
• American businesses heavily invested in Cuba's sugar industry, further solidifying US economic dominance

Motives for Imperialism

• Economic interests drove American imperialism, including the desire for new markets and access to raw materials
• Many believed overseas expansion would solve the issue of overproduction and economic depression at home
• Political and strategic considerations also played a role, as the US sought to establish itself as a global power
• Imperialists believed acquiring colonies and establishing a strong military presence would enhance national security
• A sense of cultural superiority and the belief in the "White Man's Burden" motivated some Americans to spread their civilization and values to other countries

Motives for Anti-Imperialism

• Anti-imperialists opposed the expansionist policies based on the belief that it violated the principles of democracy and self-determination
• They argued that imperialism contradicted the American ideals of liberty and equality
• Concerns about the economic costs of maintaining colonies and the potential for competition from foreign labor fueled opposition
• Some feared that imperialism would lead to the influx of cheap labor into the US, depressing wages
• Prominent figures like Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie voiced their opposition to American imperialism through writings and speeches

John Hay and the Open Door Policy

• John Hay served as the US Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt
• He is best known for the Open Door Policy in China
• The Open Door Policy aimed to maintain equal commercial access for all nations to the Chinese market and preserve China's territorial integrity
• Hay's diplomacy prevented European powers and Japan from further dividing China into exclusive spheres of influence
• The policy reflected America's growing economic power and its desire to compete in global markets

Roosevelt Corollary

• The Roosevelt Corollary was an addition to the Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904
• It asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the domestic affairs of Latin American countries if they were unable to maintain stability
• Roosevelt argued that intervention was necessary to prevent European powers from using debt collection as a pretext for military intervention in the Western Hemisphere
• It led to increased US intervention in Latin America, often through military occupation and financial oversight
• Some Latin Americans viewed the Roosevelt Corollary as an expression of American dominance and resented US interference in their affairs

Great White Fleet

• The Great White Fleet was a group of US Navy battleships that circumnavigated the globe from 1907 to 1909
• President Theodore Roosevelt organized the fleet's voyage to showcase American naval power to the world
• The tour was intended to deter potential adversaries and demonstrate the United States' ability to project its military might across the oceans
• It was a demonstration of America's growing status as a world power
• The Great White Fleet's voyage enhanced American prestige and influenced naval strategy in the years leading up to World War I

Taft's Dollar Diplomacy

• Dollar Diplomacy was a foreign policy initiative promoted by President William Howard Taft during his presidency (1909-1913)
• It aimed to promote American economic interests in foreign countries, particularly in Latin America and East Asia
• Taft believed that US investment could promote stability and development in these regions, while also benefiting American businesses
• Dollar Diplomacy involved using American financial power to exert influence over foreign governments
• US loans and investments were used to prop up friendly regimes and promote American strategic interests
• It was criticized for its heavy-handed approach and its tendency to prioritize American economic interests over the sovereignty of other nations

This note discusses American imperialism, focusing on Cuba and the motives behind it. The Spanish-American War led to Cuba's liberation but also significant American influence through the Platt Amendment. Economic interests and the desire for new markets drove American expansion.