<aside> <img src="/icons/bookmark-outline_gray.svg" alt="/icons/bookmark-outline_gray.svg" width="40px" /> In this lesson, you will…

1. Analyze the major factors that drove United States imperialism.
2. Explain the motives of the United States’ acquisition of the territories.
3. Examine causes, course, and consequences of the Spanish-American War.
4. Analyze the economic, military, and security motivations of the United States to complete the Panama Canal as well as major obstacles involved in its construction.

Big Question: Why and how did the United States acquire an empire of its own?

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The American Shielf

In 1823, the U.S. President, James Monroe, put forth a decisive and influential policy that would come to be known as the Monroe Doctrine.

Under the terms of this doctrine, a mandate was established which asserted that the United States would take on the responsibility of protecting the entire western hemisphere from any further influence or interference from European powers. This doctrine underscored the U.S.'s commitment to act as a safeguard for its neighboring countries and territories in the Americas.

Reasons for American Imperialism

• Competition with European superpowers. The United States wanted to become a world power as well.
• Access to raw materials to fuel and supply new industry in the United States.
• White Man’s Burden. Many Americans believed in Social Darwinism and the responsibility to “civilize” the “inferior races” of the world by spreading technology, Christianity, and democracy…

Admiral Alfred Mahan, a highly influential figure, strongly encouraged the United States to invest in the construction of a modern navy. He recognized the crucial importance of a powerful naval force if the US were to compete on the global stage, particularly with the dominant European military powers of the time.

Responding to Mahan's strategic vision and with the full backing of the US Congress, a significant financial commitment was made towards naval expansion. This allowed the US Navy to undertake a comprehensive program of modernization and expansion of its fleet. This development marked a pivotal point in US military history, with the nation becoming a formidable naval power.

Alfred T Mahan, The Influence of Sea Power upon History (1890)

“England’s naval bases have been in all parts of the world and her fleets have at once protected them, kept open the communications between them, and relied upon them for shelter… Colonies attached to the mother-country afford, therefore, the surest means of supporting abroad the sea power of a country… Britain’s power was everyone that her ships could reach.”

The American Hemisphere

One of the primary objectives set forth by President Roosevelt was the immense task of the construction of a canal in Panama. The intent behind this project was to establish a direct route for U.S. naval and commercial ships, seamlessly connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

To bring this vision to life, the US employed a strategy that leaned heavily on exploiting local laborers. It was Panamanian laborers who bore the brunt of the laborious and dangerous work needed to build the monumental canal.

The circumstances were harsh and unforgiving. Hundreds of these laborers tragically lost their lives, victims of the deplorable hygiene standards and perilous working conditions that were prevalent during the construction.

Moreover, the US forced Panama to relinquish the land rights for the canal zone. This marked a significant chapter in the history of geopolitical relations between the two nations, with the canal project serving as a poignant reminder of the power dynamics at play.

How the US Stole Hawaii

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK2MBnw6RlY&t=303s&pp=ygUXaG93IHRoZSB1cyBzdG9sZSBoYXdhaWk=