Unit 6: Imperialism
Why did America turn towards Imperialism?
The reasons are as follows:
Spirit of New Imperialism:
The late 19th century was a time when major world powers greatly expanded their territorial
possessions and in many ways imperialism became the dominant political ideology in the west.
For example, the scramble for Africa, Berlin Conference 1884-85, Kaiser Wilhelm II saying
"Germany also lives under the same sun," Lord Curzon in India "High noon of British
Imperialism." America was also influenced by it.
American Exceptionalism:
America's turn towards Imperialism was also based on American Exceptionalism. So, it was
argued that it was America's vision to spread liberty and democracy (refer to Turner's thesis).
Social Darwinism:
The idea that Teutonic and Anglo-Saxon races were particularly endowed with the idea of
establishing Nation-states.
Economic Expansion:
In 1893 the American economy experienced severe Depression. This strengthened the idea that
overseas markets for American goods might relieve the problem of under- consumption at
home and prevent the economic crisis.
Both the political as well as economic elite of the country were converging on this point. In
fact, the steel industries mouthpiece "Age of Steel" wrote that the internal markets were
insufficient and the over-production of internal products should be relieved by increased
foreign trade.
In line with this sentiment, by 1895 the overseas investment by American Capitalists reached
an outstanding 1 Billion dollars.
Domestic Stability:
Economic crisis of the 1890s made the class relations very tense and fragile. In this scenario, a
foreign adventure was likely to deflect attention outwards. Moreover, the spirit of jingoistic
Nationalism was also expected to heal the lingering wounds of the American Civil War.
Nature of American Imperialism:
The American Imperialism was distinctive from the conventional imperialism to the extent that
it did not entail carving out of a colonial empire abroad. Instead, they were content with
ensuring free access to the local markets for American goods. Thus, the idea of an "Open Door"
became the dominant theme of American foreign policy in the 20th century. According to
Howard Zinn, "It was a more sophisticated approach to imperialism than the traditional empire
building of Europe." William Appleman Williams has called it "an informal empire." But, it
needs to be emphasized that the open-door approach was not entirely devoid of violence. The
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idea was that if peaceful imperialism turned out to be impossible then military action would be
taken.
Major milestones in American Foreign Policy:
Monroe Doctrine: Roosevelt's corollary
Teller Amendment
Platt Amendment
Good Neighbour Policy
Truman Doctrine
American Imperialism in Latin America and East Asia:
Spanish were the first Europeans to carve out an empire in the New World. With time, their
once huge empire became smaller, and what remained of this empire was weakened further due
to mismanagement, corruption, and popular aspirations for independence. Spanish wanted to
hold on to their colonial possessions as it gave them economic resources and political prestige.
Cubans desired independence just like other former Spanish colonies in Latin America. By the
1890s, the American government was finding it difficult to pursue the policy of geopolitical
isolation as its economy was experiencing a production glut.
American investments into Cuba were reaching 50 million dollars.
Trade between USA and Cuba totalled 100 million dollars annually, and political
disturbance in Cuba posed serious thread to it.
There was popular sympathy across America for the Cubans fighting against an
autocratic old-world power.
Finally, what precipitated American action was the sinking of USS Maine in 1898.
The Americans invaded Cuba and the joined forces of American soldiers and Cuban
rebels put the Spanish to rout.
The war was concluded by the Treaty of Paris in 1898. It's major provisions were:
Temporary American control over Cuba was recognised
Indefinite American authority over Puerto Rico, Guam and Philippines was imposed.
America secured positions across a wide area and got stretched to East Asia.
Within Cuba, two notable developments happened
In violation of the letter and spirit of the Teller Amendment, the US sources refused to
recognise the Cuban rebels as the new authority and leave the country.
Close on the heels of American military victory, the American capital also started to
enter Cuba in ever increasing quantity. By 1901, almost 80% of the export of Cuba's
minerals were in American hands.
So, the Teller Amendment was violated and American investments in Cuba increased. The
Americans finally withdrew in 1902 but not until the Constitution of the New Republic of Cuba
had incorporated the provisions of the Platt Amendment. The provisions of the Platt
Amendment are as follows:
It secured a guarantee that Cuba would not transfer any of its land to any foreign power
but the USA
It put limitations on Cuba's negotiations with other countries
It established a US Naval base in Cuba
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The United States reserved a right to intervene in Cuba unilaterally to preserve the
Cuban independence
Thus, the Republic of Cuba came into being on 20th May, 1902 and the Platt Amendment
became the basis of Cuban-US relations for the next three decades.
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