Imperialism (1885-1920)

James G. Blaine sought to open up Latin American markets to the U.S.; rejected by Latin America due to fear of U.S. dominance and satisfaction with European market

Government would protect America’s foreign investments with any force needed; under president Taft

Intervention in Mexican Revolution (Madero overthrew dictator Diaz) to overthrow Madero out of fear of property confiscation, General Huerta (seen as “brute” by Wilson, sought new leader) replaced Madero

Huerta’s enemy, reluctantly supported by U.S.; U.S. sought Villa’s submission due to terrorism, eventually assassinated; Wilson’s policy highly unpopular

Aimed to excite American imperialist interests; media bias, subjective representation of events

Belligerent nationalism against other threatening nations

Ex-Lincoln secretary; worked to gain Open Door Notes’ acceptance from the major powers

Sought to eliminate spheres of influence and avoid European monopolies in China; unaccepted by the powers in mind

McKinley reluctant; armed intervention to free Cuba from Spain; Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders” made attack on Spanish at Cuba

Meant to provide evacuation opportunity for Americans in Cuba; internal accidental explosion blamed on Spanish mines, leading to Spanish-American War

U.S. would ensure that Cuba would be protected from European powers and maintain a place in Cuban affairs; provided coal and naval stations

Granted to U.S. at the end of Spanish-American War; Philippines were captured after treaty, and thus not part of spoils, but kept as territory with an inevitable movement for independence; Philippines and Hawaii steps toward Asia

Admiral Dewey defeated Spanish initially; American troops (aided by Aguinaldo’s insurgents) captured Manila, leading to annexation

Secretly sponsored peace negotiations so as to prevent Japanese or Russian monopoly on Asia; concerned with safety of Philippines

Focused on military and naval preparedness in this time period as president