American Imperialism from 1870 to 1914: Politics, Economy, and Society

American Imperialism from 1870 to 1914: Politics, Economy, and Society
Part 1
Complete the chart by identifying the following:
Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914.
Discuss why each area was important to American empire building (political, economic, and social).
Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some of the factors that justified American imperialist actions?
Identify the current political status of these places in relation to the United States.
Age of Imperialism: 1870 to 1914
PlaceWhy was there interest?U.S. actionsStatus todayThe Philippines (1899)
The United States had a political and economic interest in the Philippines. Politically, it intended to punish Spain because U.S. leaders believed that Spain attacked American ships.The U.S. seized the Philippines Islands from Spain and controlled the country’s social, economic, and political institutions (Clutario, 2017). The U.S. also sent its troops to the Islands. The troops engaged with the Filipino revolutionary forces resulting in the Philippine-American War that erupted in 1899.At present, the Philippines is an independent country. Although America and Spain still are making attempts to exert economic and political influence. At present, the Philippines and the U.S. are political and military allies under the 1951 Mutual Defense TreatyCuba
The U.S. had both economic and political in Cuba Island. It supported Cuba’s independence from Spain. The U.S. had invested millions of dollars in Cuba’s economy and needed to help it defeat Spain to realize economic and political benefits (Burns, 2018). It invaded Cuba to protect its political and economic interests and avenged Spain’s USS Maine destruction in Havana.U.S. troops under general Commodore Winfield Scott and George Dewey attacked Spanish forces.
U.S. forces were also sent to protect its citizens and businesses in Cuba while the local revolutionaries fought the Spanish forces to gain independence.The U.S. and Cuba have a strong diplomatic relationship with Cuba under the 1250 Treaty of Paris. Cuba is no longer a protectorate of the U.S. Political, and economic influence in Cuba is becoming increasingly insignificant.Panama and the Canal (1903 -1914The U.S. wanted to establish itself as a world power. Imperialism in Panama was a geopolitical strategy to enable the U.S. to swiftly move its ships from the east to the west (Zien, 2017). The U.S. also wanted to promote prosperity and enhance governance and security.Under President Theodore Roosevelt’s administration, the U.S. built the Panama Canal to make it easier to move its ships from east to west and vice versa. It separated Panama from Columbia by creating a canal.Panama and the U.S. have signed Trade Promotion and bilateral investment treaties that protect the economic and political interests of the two countries.Hawaii (1898)
The Annexation of Hawaii to the U.S. is one of the most notable cases of U.S. imperialism. The U.S. has military, political and economic interests in the island.
The U.S. seized all Hawaiian public properties, ports, harbors, buildings, and military equipment during the annexation (Konzett, 2017).Hawaii is one of the U.S. states at present.Mexico
The involvement of the U.S. in Mexico was motivated by its political and commercial, and political interests in the country. The federal government was worried that American businesses would be affected by the Mexican Revolution. Imperialism was also a counterterrorism strategy to protect the U.S. from Mexican rebels.The U.S. wanted a new Mexican leader that would support the implementation of its economic policies in the country (Monzo et al., 2017). It deployed troops to protect its citizens and multinational corporations in Mexico. The U.S. also engaged in a border war with Mexico to control the influx of rebels, refugees, and immigrants.The U.S. and Mexico have a healthy diplomatic relationship. They have partnered to trade and improve the living standards of their citizens. Their partnership has significantly reduced the impact of drug trafficking, organized crimes, and illegal migration.China (1899-1901)
The U.S. imperialized China to suppress the Boxer Rebellion and protect its economic interests. Chinese citizens supported the government in an uprising against the establishment of foreign entities in China.The U.S. suppressed the rebellion in China by signing an agreement called the Boxer Protocol with China.Currently, China is one of the most powerful nations in the world. The U.S. does not have significant influence in China.
Part 2
Answer each of the following prompts with a response of at least 200 to 300 words: