Overseas

Expansion 1865–1917
Why It Matters
International power came to the United States with political strength and industrial
growth. As its power increased, the United States moved beyond its territorial limits
in search of new markets and colonies.

The Impact Today

The United States began to compete with other nations for more trade and more land.
From this rivalry, the United States rose to take a major role in shaping world affairs.

The American Journey Video The chapter 22 video, “Bring Me the

Pictures and I’ll Bring You the War,” discusses the rise of yellow journalism and
its role in the Spanish-American War.

1889
• Pan-American
1887 Union
1867 • U.S. establishes naval established
• Alaska purchased base at Pearl Harbor
from Russia

Johnson Grant Hayes Garfield Arthur Cleveland B. Harrison

1865–1869 1869–1877 1877–1881 1881 1881–1885 1885–1889 1889–1893

1865 1875 1885

1867 1875 1883

• Japan ends 675-year • Suez Canal comes • Vietnam becomes
shogun rule under British control French protectorate

636 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

 Drawing Conclusions Study Foldable
Investigate the pros, or positive outcomes, and the
cons, or negative outcomes, of overseas expansion
by making this foldable.
Step 1 Fold one sheet of paper in half from top
to bottom.

Step 2 Fold it in half again, from side to side.

Step 3 Unfold the paper once. Cut up the fold

of the top flap only.

This cut will

make two tabs.

Step 4 Label the foldable as shown.

PROS of CONS of
Overseas Overseas
Expansion Expansion

Reading and Writing As you read, write what

San Juan Hill Theodore Roosevelt, who later became the twenty-sixth presi- you learn about the positive and negative effects
dent of the United States, leads the Rough Riders cavalry regiment during the of United States overseas expansion under the
Spanish-American War, July 1898. appropriate tabs of your foldable.
1900
• Hawaii becomes 1914
U.S. territory • Panama
1904 Canal
1898 1901 • Roosevelt opens
• Spanish- • Cuba granted Corollary
American War independence issued

Cleveland McKinley Roosevelt Taft Wilson HISTORY

1893–1897 1897–1901 1901–1909 1909–1913 1913–1921

Chapter Overview
1895 1905 1915 Visit [Link] and
click on Chapter 22—
Chapter Overviews to pre-
view chapter information.

1895 1910 1911

• José Martí leads • British form Union of • Qing dynasty
revolt in Cuba South Africa overthrown
in China

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 637

 Expanding
Horizons
Guide to Reading
Main Idea Reading Strategy Read to Learn
In the late 1800s the United States Analyzing Information As you read • what factors contributed to the
acquired lands overseas. the section, re-create the diagram growth of American imperialism.
below and explain how the United • how the United States expanded its
Key Terms States made its presence felt in each economic and political influence in
isolationism, expansionism, country or region. the late 1800s.
imperialism
U.S. role Section Theme
Japan Economic Factors Americans
Latin America expanded trade with other countries
Russia and competed for political influence.
Preview of Events
✦1850 ✦1870 ✦1890
1853 1854 1867 1889
Matthew Perry sails Japan signs Treaty William Seward signs Pan-American
into Tokyo Bay of Kanagawa treaty to buy Alaska Union established

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Americans looked beyond their borders and
yearned for an empire. Merchants desired overseas markets, and adventurers wanted
another frontier to conquer. Senator Albert Beveridge voiced the feelings of many when
he proclaimed in 1900: “The Philippines are ours forever. . . . And just beyond the
Philippines are China’s illimitable markets. We will not retreat from either. . . . The
Patriotic song
sheet, 1898
Pacific is our ocean.”

American Foreign Policy

When President George Washington published his Farewell Address in 1796,
he advised Americans to increase trade with other countries but to have “as
little political connection as possible.” Above all else, he warned Americans to
“steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.”
These principles guided American foreign policy for about 100 years. However,
various people interpreted Washington’s words in different ways. Some

638 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

believed he meant that the United States should In 1853 President Millard Fillmore sent Com-
follow a policy of isolationism, or noninvolve- modore Matthew Perry on a mission to Japan.
ment, in world affairs. Others pointed out that After steaming into Tokyo Bay with four war-
Washington supported trade with other coun- ships, Perry asked the Japanese to open up their
tries and was not calling for complete isolation ports to U.S. ships. He told them he would
from the world. return in several months for their answer.
The American show of force alarmed the
American Expansionism Japanese. When Perry returned in 1854, the
For many years some Americans dreamed of Japanese signed the Treaty of Kanagawa and
expanding their territory from ocean to ocean. opened two ports to American ships. Perry’s
Seeking land and better opportunities, many successful mission began a period of trade
Americans moved to territories in the West and between Japan and the United States. It also
the South. This expansionism was a driving marked the start of greater American involve-
force in American history. During the Civil War, ment in Asia.
while the nation was torn apart, expansion came
to a halt. After the war the United States began Explaining What did Washington
rebuilding and expanding again. say about alliances in his Farewell Address?
Americans settled the vast Great Plains, built
railroads, and created large cities booming with
people and busy factories. In 1890, when the An Age of Imperialism
nation spanned the North American continent The United States was not the only Western
from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, the nation expanding its trade and influence in Asia
government issued a report announcing the end and other parts of the world. The late 1800s and
of the “frontier.” Although areas of
unsettled land remained, settlements
could now be found from coast to coast.
To many Americans the frontier
meant growth and opportunity. The idea
that the frontier no longer existed was
alarming. Americans began to look
beyond the nation’s borders to frontiers
overseas where they could expand trade
and compete for political influence.

Foreign Trade
In the mid-1800s, American merchants
carried on a profitable trade with China
and hoped to expand trade in other areas
of the world. Many wanted to open trad-
ing relations with Japan, which had long
been isolated from the West.

History Through Art

Perry’s First Landing in Japan at Kurihama by
Gessan Ogata A Japanese artist depicts Com-
modore Matthew Perry’s 1853 arrival in Japan.
Why was Perry sent on a mission to Japan?

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 639

 History Through Art
Secretary of State William H. Seward
(second from left) oversees the signing
of the Alaska Purchase Treaty on March
30, 1867. An abundance of gold and
other minerals encouraged migration
to Alaska (below). What country
sold Alaska to the United States?

the early 1900s were called an age of imperialism,

a time when powerful European nations created
large empires by exercising economic and polit-
ical control over weaker regions. The Purchase of Alaska
The search for materials and markets drove Seward took a major step toward making his
imperialism. The industrial nations of Europe vision a reality with the purchase of Alaska. In
needed raw materials from Asia and Africa. The 1867 Seward signed a treaty with Russia to buy
Europeans also sought new markets for the the Russian colony for $7.2 million—an extraor-
goods they manufactured. In their drive for raw dinary bargain for a territory that was twice the
materials and new markets, European powers size of Texas.
competed with one another for power and influ- At the time many people ridiculed Seward’s
ence in Asia and Africa. purchase. They regarded Alaska as a barren, ice-
bound land. Newspapers mocked the purchase
Toward an Empire as “Seward’s Ice Box” and a “polar bear gar-
American interest in political as well as eco- den.” After gold was discovered in Alaska in the
nomic expansion developed after the Civil War. 1890s, however, Seward’s “folly” began to seem
Some Americans wanted the nation to build an more like a wise purchase. In 1912 Alaska
empire. By annexing new lands, they argued, became a territory of the United States.
the United States would join the ranks of the
world’s great powers and take its rightful place A Sense of Mission
at the center of power. Some Americans had another reason for impe-
Secretary of State William H. Seward, rialist expansion. They had a sense of mission—
appointed by Abraham Lincoln, supported this a belief that they could “lift up” people they
view. Seward pictured an American empire that considered “uncivilized” by sharing Christianity
dominated the Caribbean, Central America, and and Western civilization with the rest of the
the Pacific. Holding this empire together would world. Josiah Strong, a Congregational minister,
be a canal across Central America linking the proposed an “imperialism of righteousness,”
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, a thriving transcon- with Americans bringing their religion and their
tinental railroad system, and rapid communica- culture to the peoples of Africa, Asia, and the
tion by means of the telegraph. United States’s closest neighbor, Latin America.

640 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

American Interest in Latin America American domination, they decided to attend
Since colonial times, the United States had the meeting. The conference established the
carried on a flourishing trade with Latin Amer- Pan-American Union to share information
ica, including the Caribbean region. Fear of among member nations.
European influence in the region was a factor
that led to the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, when Building Sea Power
President James Monroe warned European As the United States looked to expand its
nations not to attempt to establish new colonies horizons, Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan,
in North or South America. president of the Naval War College, called for
United States merchants used the Monroe improving and enlarging the navy. Mahan
Doctrine to their advantage. In 1884 James G. argued that sea power would protect shipping
Blaine, then the Republican nominee for presi- and provide access to world markets:
dent, declared:

“ While the great powers of Europe are “ Sea power is essential to the greatness of

steadily enlarging their colonial domination in

every splendid people.
”
Asia and Africa, it is the [particular] province of To maintain a powerful navy, the United States
this country to improve and expand its trade would need overseas colonies where ships
with the nations of America.
” could be refueled.
Transforming and expanding the navy began
Meanwhile, the United States signed treaties in 1883, when Congress authorized construction
with a number of Latin American countries, of the first steel-hulled warships. In the follow-
allowing American businesses to influence those ing years, the navy gradually shifted from sails
nations’ economies. to steam power and from wood to steel hulls. By
As secretary of state in 1889, Blaine invited the early 1900s, the United States had the naval
Latin American countries to attend a Pan- power it needed to back up an expanded role in
American Conference held in Washington, D.C. foreign affairs.
Blaine hoped to develop economic and political
ties among the nations of the region. Although Explaining Why did many people
many Latin American countries worried about criticize the purchase of Alaska?

Checking for Understanding Critical Thinking Analyzing Visuals

1. Key Terms Use the following terms 4. Determining Cause and Effect 6. Picturing History Study the painting
to create a newspaper article about What did Alfred Thayer Mahan say on the chapter opening page on
United States expansion during the would result from American sea page 637. What does it show? What
late 1800s: isolationism, expansion- power? idea do you think the artist is
ism, imperialism. 5. Organizing Information Re-create expressing?
2. Reviewing Facts Discuss the main the diagram below and list two eco-
points of the Monroe Doctrine. nomic reasons for United States
expansion.
Reviewing Themes
3. Economic Factors What price did Geography Research the natural
Reasons for
the United States pay for Alaska? expansion
resources of Alaska. Draw a map of
Why was the purchase of this terri- the state and use symbols to repre-
tory ridiculed? sent each resource and show its
location in the state.

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 641

 N O T E B O O K

S TEP B ACK IN T IME VERBATIM

What — and who—were people talking about? What did they eat? W H AT P E O P L E A R E S AY I N G
What did they do for fun? These two pages will give you some clues to
everyday life in the U.S. as you step back in time with TIME Notebook.
“andIfmake
you pick up a starving dog
him prosperous,
he will not bite you. This
Profile is the principal difference
between a dog and a
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON Teaching industrial training as a means
to success, in 1881 Washington founded the Tuskegee Institute in
Alabama. Here is an excerpt from his autobiography, Up From Slavery.
man.
” MARK TWAIN,
author of
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, AT TUSKEGEE,
I was determined to have the students do
not only the agricultural and domestic “stick;Speak softly and carry a big
you will go far.
”
work, but to have them erect their PRESIDENT TEDDY ROOSEVELT,
own buildings. My plan was to proposing action when asked
how the United States will deal with
have them, while performing this its new far-flung colonies in 1901
service, taught the latest and best
methods of labour, so that the
school would not only get the “yourGivehuddled
me your tired, your poor,
masses yearning to
benefit of their efforts, but the
students themselves would be taught
breathe free.
”
WORDS BY EMMA LAZARUS,
to see not only utility in labour, but engraved on the
Statue of Liberty in 1903
beauty and dignity. … My plan was
not to teach them to work in the
old way, but to show them
how to make the forces of
“ them!
Mountains! Look at
” EDWARD CORSI,
nature—air, water, steam, 10-year-old Italian immi-
electricity, horse-power— grant on spotting the
assist them in their high-rise buildings in
New York City for the
labour. first time in 1907

Booker T. Washington

It’s The Law

HARRIS EWING/TIME INC. PICTURE COLLECTION

Two laws were passed in 1902 to

deal with the automobile.
1 Tennessee demands all drivers give the
public a week’s notice before they start any trip.
2 Vermont states an adult waving a red flag
has to walk in front of any moving automobile.

642
 R ES H A P I N G T H E NAT I O N : 1 8 8 5 –1 9 1 5

MILESTONES NUMBERS
EVENTS AND PEOPLE OF THE TIME U. S. AT T H E T I M E

BETTMANN/CORBIS
SIGNED UP. Sharpshooter ANNIE
OAKLEY to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West
12¢ Price of a dozen
eggs in 1910

SCHENECTADY MUSEUM/HALL OF ELECTRICAL HISTORY FOUNDATION/CORBIS

Show in 1885.
FLEW. 19-year-old Cromwell Dixon $12 Price of
over the Continental Divide in 1911 a sewing machine
in a biplane. At age 14, Dixon was in 1900
building DIRIGIBLES (sausage-
shaped balloons), including a
model that could be pedaled
$12
Lowest price for a steamship
through the air like a bicycle. ticket from Italy to America
Dixon later traveled around in 1905
the country, flying at
state fairs. Annie Oakley
$12 Average weekly salary
(seven-day weeks/12-hour days)
for arriving immigrants in 1907
AMERICAN SCENE

Average Lifespans in 1900

Average life expectancy: 47.3 years

BETTMANN/CORBIS
Male life expectancy: 46.3 years

Female life expectancy: 48.3 years Wright brothers

White life expectancy: 47.6 years

Nonwhite life expectancy: 33.0 years

12 seconds Air time
of Wright brothers’ first flight
in 1903
0 10 20 30 40 50 years
1.2 million
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N Approximate number of
immigrants who entered the
Take a Ride in My Car! U.S. in 1907
Here’s what one magazine from the
early 1900s recommends you carry 395,000 Approximate
in your car at all times: number of immigrants in 1908
who gave up on America and
1 Efficient tire pump
returned home
1 Strong two-gallon can
extra gasoline
1 Sheet fine sandpaper
50¢ Price of
BETTMANN/CORBIS

cheapest seat at
1 Small, short-handled axe baseball’s first
1 Ball asbestos cord World Series
4 Half-pound cans of meat or fish in 1903

2 Pounds sweet chocolate

643
 Imperialism in
the Pacific
Guide to Reading
Main Idea Reading Strategy Read to Learn
The United States expanded into the Sequencing Information As you • how the United States gained con-
Pacific Ocean region to set up trading read the section, complete a time line trol of Hawaii and Samoa.
bases. like the one shown with important • how competition for influence in
events in Hawaii’s history. China and the Pacific region led to
Key Terms new foreign policies.
annexation, spheres of influence,
Open Door policy 1820 1842 1875 1887 1891 1898 1900
Section Theme
Geography and History The United
States exercised its influence in China
and the Pacific region.
Preview of Events
✦1890 ✦1900 ✦1910
1893 1899 1900 1907
American planters overthrow U.S., Britain, and Germany Hawaii becomes a The Great White Fleet
Queen Liliuokalani divide Samoa U.S. territory begins its voyage

As more Americans arrived in Honolulu, many Hawaiians feared that time was run-
ning out for their people. Kaona, a local judge in Honolulu, had visions that the end of
the world was near. When volcanoes erupted and earth tremors plagued the island, his
visions seemed to be coming true. Kaona and his followers prepared for the end. They
dressed in flowing white robes and prayed loudly. Kaona had indeed been correct. The
Hawaiian stamp world that he and native Hawaiians had known would soon end.

Geography

Hawaii
Secretary of State William H. Seward believed the United States could build
its empire in Hawaii and other regions through trade. The Pacific region
played a key part in Seward’s plan. In 1867 Seward acquired the two small
Pacific islands of Midway. He thought that these islands, more than 3,000
miles (4,800 km) west of California, would serve as an important stopping

644 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

place for American ships en route to China. profits. In 1887, in return for renewal of the trade
American merchants and the United States agreement, the United States pressured King
Navy would need more than two small islands, Kalakaua (kah•LAH•KAH•u•ah) to allow it to
however, to establish a secure foothold in the establish a naval base at Pearl Harbor, the best
vast stretches of the Pacific. seaport in the islands.
The lush Hawaiian Islands, a chain of 8 large In the early 1890s, under pressure from Amer-
and 100 or so smaller islands, lay about 2,000 ican sugar producers, Congress revised the tariff
miles (3,200 km) west of California. The Hawai- laws and eliminated the exemption for Hawai-
ian people dwelled in independent communi- ian sugar. As a result, Hawaiian sugar planters
ties, each with its own chieftain, and lived by had to drop their prices drastically in order to
farming and fishing. American trading ships sell any sugar. Sugar exports to the United States
and whalers often stopped at the islands to take dropped sharply. Facing ruin, the planters plot-
on supplies and fresh water. ted a way to avoid the new tariff. They decided
In the 1790s Americans began trading with the to make Hawaii a territory of the United States.
Hawaiians for local resources. About that same
time, King Kamehameha I unified the islands. American Planters’ Revolt
Villages with good ports such as Honolulu and The Hawaiians, meanwhile, had begun to resist
Lahaina (luh•HY•nuh) began to grow in impor- the growing influence of Americans. In 1891
tance, and trade increased. However, American Queen Liliuokalani (lih•LEE•uh•woh•kuh•
and European ships also brought infectious dis- LAH•nee) came to the throne. The new ruler
eases to the islands. These diseases devastated wanted Hawaiians to regain economic control of
the island population just as they had once dev- their islands, and she took away powers that
astated the Native Americans. the American sugar planters
had held. In response, the
white planters overthrew
Missionaries and Sugar Growers Liliuokalani and set up
In 1820 Christian missionaries from the
their own provisional,
United States began arriving in Hawaii. They
or temporary, govern-
established schools, created a written Hawaiian
ment in 1893. The queen
alphabet, and translated the Bible into Hawai-
left under protest:
ian. Increasing numbers of American merchants
in the whaling trade came to settle there, too.
An American firm introduced sugarcane in “ Now, to avoid any col-
lision of armed forces and
Hawaii in the 1830s, and the missionaries and
perhaps the loss of life, I . . .
traders began buying land and establishing sugar
plantations. The sugar industry grew quickly, yield my authority.
” Queen Liliuokalani
and plantation owners brought in thousands of
immigrants from Japan, China, and other Pacific Annexation
lands to work in the fields. Gradually the Ameri- The success of the planters’ revolt stemmed in
cans took control of most of the land and busi- part from the support of the chief American
nesses. They also influenced Hawaiian politics, diplomat in Hawaii, John Stevens, who arranged
serving as advisers to the Hawaiian ruling family. for marines from the warship Boston to assist in
Although the United States recognized Hawaiian the uprising. Stevens immediately recognized the
independence in 1842, the islands came increas- new government, which sent a delegation to
ingly under American influence. Washington to seek a treaty of annexation that
In 1875 the United States agreed to allow would add Hawaii to the United States. President
Hawaiian sugar to enter the country without tar- Benjamin Harrison signed the treaty during the
iffs. As sugar exports to the United States soared, final days of his administration and forwarded it
American planters in Hawaii reaped enormous to the Senate for approval.

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 645

 United States Overseas Possessions, 1900
60°E 90°E 120°E 150°E 180° 150°W 120°W 90°W 60°W 30°W 0°
0 2,500 miles

0 2,500 kilometers
Mercator projection U.S. possessions
with date acquired
Ports open to U.S. trade
Alaska
RUSSIA (1867)
60°N
ASIA NORTH
AMERICA
N
EUROPE
PacifIC W E AtlantIC
CHINA
JAPAN
OCEaN S UNITED STATES OCEaN
Shanghai Midway Islands
Nagasaki (1867) 30°N
Canton TROPIC OF CANCER
Puerto
Philippines
Wake I. Johnston I. Hawaiian Islands Rico AFRICA
(1898) (1898) (1898)
Guam (1899) (1858) Kingman Reef (1858)
(1898) Howland I.
(1857) Palmyra Atoll (1898) EQUATOR 0°
Baker I. Jarvis I. (1857)
(1857) American
SOUTH
Samoa
AMERICA
(1899) TROPIC OF CAPRICORN
AUSTRALIA
30°S

1. Location Locate Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The Islands of Samoa
Which of these is the farthest from the continental United
About 3,000 miles (4,800 km) south of Hawaii
States?
2. Analyzing Information When were the Hawaiian lay the Samoa Islands, directly on the trade
Islands acquired? route linking Australia and the United States. As
early as the 1830s, missionaries from the United
States landed in Samoa and began converting
However, the Senate did not act quickly the people to Christianity.
enough. It failed to ratify the treaty before Har- In 1878 Samoa agreed to give Americans spe-
rison left office. The new president, Grover cial trading rights and permission to build a
Cleveland, opposed annexation and withdrew naval station at the port of Pago Pago. Great
the treaty from the Senate after discovering that Britain and Germany also secured trading rights.
Hawaiians did not support the revolt. Cleveland During the 1880s, tensions mounted as the three
called American interference in the Hawaiian rivals competed for power in Samoa.
revolution “disgraceful.” In 1899 the United States, Great Britain, and
Although most of the Hawaiians and Germany met in Berlin and—without consulting
the Asian immigrants in Hawaii opposed annex- the Samoans—decided to divide up the islands.
ation, their opposition made no difference. A The United States and Germany split Samoa
small, powerful group of American sugar grow- between them, while Great Britain agreed to
ers, traders, and missionaries—and their Hawai- withdraw from the area in return for rights on
ian allies, along with influential people in the other Pacific islands. The Americans annexed
United States—had the final word. Congress their portion of Samoa the same year.
approved the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, after
William McKinley became president. In 1900 Explaining Why did some American
Hawaii became a territory of the United States. planters want to make Hawaii a territory of the United States?

646 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

China and the Open Door trading interests in the country. Hay proposed
an Open Door policy under which each foreign
For Americans the island territories in the nation in China could trade freely in the other
Pacific, while important in themselves, repre- nations’ spheres of influence.
sented stepping-stones to a larger prize—China.
Torn apart by warring factions and lacking The Boxer Rebellion
industry, China was too weak to resist the efforts The other major powers were reluctant to
of foreign powers that wanted to exploit its vast accept a policy that would benefit the United
resources and markets. States most of all. The situation soon changed,
however. Beginning in late 1899 a secret Chi-
Rivalries in China nese martial arts society, known as the Boxers,
By the late 1890s, Japan and the leading Euro- led a violent uprising against the “foreign dev-
pean powers had carved out spheres of influ- ils” in China. Many died and for nearly two
ence in China—sections of the country where months, hundreds more were trapped in the
each of the foreign nations enjoyed special rights besieged capital city of Beijing. Finally, in
and powers. Japan held the island of Formosa August 1900, foreign troops broke the siege
and parts of the Chinese mainland. Germany and defeated the Boxers.
controlled the Shandong area in east-central Out of the Boxer Rebellion came a second
China. Great Britain and France held a number Open Door proposal, which stressed the impor-
of Chinese provinces, and Russia moved into tance of maintaining China’s independence and
Manchuria and other areas in northern China. respecting its borders. Alarmed by the rebellion,
the other foreign powers accepted Hay’s policy.
An Open Door to China
In the United States, some government and Analyzing What was the purpose
business leaders worried about being squeezed of the Open Door policy?
out of the profitable China trade. Although the
United States could not force the other foreign
powers out of China, Secretary of State John History Through Art
Hay wanted to protect and expand American View of Peking After the Boxer Rebellion
by Yoshikazu Ichikawa American soldiers
march through the Chinese capital after the
Boxer Rebellion. What policy did the
United States want for China?

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 647

 Japan Strained Relations
During the Russo-Japanese War, Japanese
Eager to expand its power in Asia, Japan
immigration to the United States—especially to
began to ignore the Open Door policy. Japan’s
California—increased. Many Americans resented
actions led to war with Russia and conflict with
the Japanese newcomers, claiming that they
the United States.
took jobs from Americans.
In the early 1900s, Japan and Russia clashed
As you read in Chapter 21, in 1906 the San
over Manchuria, a Chinese province rich in nat-
Francisco Board of Education ordered that all
ural resources. On February 8, 1904, Japan
Asian students attend separate schools. The
launched an attack on the Russian fleet at Port
Japanese government protested. An 1894 treaty
Arthur in southern Manchuria, starting the
had guaranteed that Japanese living in the
Russo-Japanese War. By the spring of 1905, both
United States would be treated well. The Japa-
Japan’s and Russia’s resources were nearly
nese felt that the treaty had been broken.
exhausted, and both countries were eager to
President Roosevelt forced the San Francisco
make peace.
school board to change its policies. In return, he
persuaded Japan to consent to an agreement,
Treaty of Portsmouth promising to restrict emigration. The Japanese
President Theodore Roosevelt offered to meet resented the agreement and relations between
with their leaders in Portsmouth, New Hamp- the two nations worsened. Some Americans
shire, to help settle the conflict. In September called for war.
1905, Japan and Russia signed the Treaty of Although President Roosevelt had no plan for
Portsmouth, which recognized Japan’s control war, in 1907 he sent 16 gleaming white battle-
of Korea in return for a pledge by Japan to halt ships on a cruise around the world to display
its expansion. the nation’s naval power. The “Great White
Roosevelt hoped the treaty would preserve a Fleet” greatly impressed the Japanese. By 1909
balance of power in Asia, but it failed to do so. the United States and Japan had resolved many
Japan emerged as the strongest naval power in of their differences.
the Pacific, and it challenged the United States
for influence in the region. Relations between Identifying Who offered to help
the two nations deteriorated steadily. settle the Russo-Japanese War?

Checking for Understanding Critical Thinking Analyzing Visuals

1. Key Terms Use each of these terms 4. Making Inferences Why do you 6. Geography Skills Study the map on
in a complete sentence that will help think Roosevelt considered the cruise page 646. What particular geographic
explain its meaning: annexation, of the Great White Fleet to be “the region of the world is the focus of
spheres of influence, Open Door most important service [he] rendered the map? Which location is farthest
policy. for peace”? west—Hawaii, Baker Island, or Wake
2. Reviewing Facts Name three Pacific 5. Determining Cause and Effect Island?
Islands that the United States acquired Re-create the diagram below and list
in the late 1800s and early 1900s. the cause and effects of the Boxer
Rebellion.
Reviewing Themes
3. Geography and History Why were Effect: Science Research the process of
Boxer
American political leaders interested Cause: turning sugarcane into the refined
Rebellion
in the Pacific islands in the 1800s? Effect: sugar available in supermarkets.
Draw a diagram showing the steps
involved.

648 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

 Spanish-
American War
Guide to Reading
Main Idea Reading Strategy Read to Learn
The Spanish-American War emerged Analyzing Information As you read • why the Spanish-American War
out of events in Cuba, where the the section, complete a diagram like began.
Cuban people were resisting the one shown by listing two reasons • how the United States’s role in
Spanish rule. the United States went to war over global affairs grew after the war.
Cuba.
Key Terms Section Theme
yellow journalism, armistice, Continuity and Change Through the
protectorate Spanish-American War, the United
States took control of new territory.
War

Preview of Events
✦1894 ✦1896 ✦1898 ✦1900
1895 1897 1898 1900
José Martí leads William McKinley The Maine explodes; the Spanish- Foraker Act sets up new
revolt in Cuba becomes president American War takes place government in Puerto Rico

African Americans had fought in military conflicts since colonial times. The Buffalo
Soldiers—named for their bravery and fighting ability by their Apache and Cheyenne
foes—also answered the nation’s call to arms during the Spanish-American War. On
the front lines of the Spanish-American War, the 9th and 10th Cavalry, with valiant
soldiers like Charles Young, led the charge up San Juan Hill with Colonel Teddy
Roosevelt and his Rough Riders.
Charles M. Young

The Cuban Rebellion

The people of Cuba had lived under Spanish rule for centuries. The Cubans
rebelled several times in the late 1800s, but each time the Spanish overpowered
them and smashed their dreams of independence. José Martí, one of the
heroes of the Cuban independence movement, fled to the United States to
gather money, arms, and troops. In 1895, as economic conditions in Cuba wors-
ened, Martí returned to Cuba to lead his people in a new revolt.

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 649

 Martí’s revolution led to terrible losses in false reporting—known as yellow journalism—
human life and property. The rebels burned sug- played a major role in fanning the flames of pro-
arcane fields and destroyed buildings in hopes war sentiment in the United States. ; (See page 973
of forcing the Spaniards to leave. In retaliation for one newspaper’s account of Cuba’s struggle.)
Spanish troops herded Cuban people into
camps to separate them from the rebels and to “Remember the Maine”
break their morale. Thousands of Cubans died The pressure on President McKinley to take
of starvation and disease. action seemed to grow by the hour. After rioting
broke out in the Cuban capital of Havana in Jan-
War Fever uary 1898, McKinley sent the battleship Maine to
The Cuban people’s struggle against Spain protect American citizens and property.
attracted much sympathy in the United States. The ship remained quietly at anchor in
Businesspeople worried about the destruction Havana Harbor for three weeks. Then, on the
of trade and their loss of investments in Cuba. night of February 15, 1898, an enormous explo-
Government leaders were concerned about a sion shattered the Maine, killing 260 officers
rebellion so close to the United States. Many and crew members. American newspapers
Americans were horrified by the atrocities immediately blamed the Spanish, and the slogan
against Cuban citizens and called for the gov- “Remember the Maine” became a rallying cry
ernment to do something about it. for revenge. Spain denied responsibility for the
President Grover Cleveland opposed any explosion. Much later, evidence indicated that the
American involvement in Cuba. In March 1897, explosion may have been accidental, but at the
William McKinley became president. He, too, time, Americans clamored for war with Spain.
hoped the conflict could be settled peacefully. After the Maine incident, President McKinley
The American press reported the unfolding sent the Spanish a strong note demanding a
tragedy in Cuba in graphic detail, and its cover- truce and an end to brutality against the
age intensified the debate over America’s role in Cubans. The Spanish agreed to some American
the crisis. Newspapers, including Joseph demands, but not enough to satisfy McKinley or
Pulitzer’s World and William Randolph Hearst’s Congress. On April 19 Congress recognized
Journal, tried to outdo each other with shocking Cuban independence. It also demanded the
reports on the revolution. Hearst supposedly told withdrawal of Spanish forces and authorized
an artist who was illustrating a story on Cuba, the president to use the army and navy to
“You furnish the pictures, and I’ll furnish the enforce American aims. On April 25, 1898, Con-
war.” This type of sensational, biased, and often gress declared war on Spain.

Analyzing Political Cartoons

Yellow Journalism Cartoonist Leon Barritt

makes fun of newspaper publishers Joseph
Pulitzer (left) and William Randolph Hearst
calling for war in this 1898 cartoon.
Why do you think the
cartoonist showed
Hearst and Pulitzer
playing with blocks?

650
 The Spanish-American War
UNITED CHINA
Formosa
STATES Jap.
U.S. forces
Gulf of Hong Kong
Mexico Tampa Spanish forces
FLA. Pacific
U.S. naval blockade
Ocean

DE
BAHAMAS Battle

W
U.K. Atlantic

EY
R Luzon
F CANCE
Ocean TRO P I C O Island Philippine
Sea
Havana Manila
CUBA
South
El Caney China
San Juan Hill Sea
PUERTO
DOMINICAN
Ca

Santiago de Cuba RICO

HAITI San Juan
ri

REPUBLIC
bb

ea Gu´anica
n PHILIPPINES
Se
a JAMAICA
U.K.
CE O
(F

V
R
R

Celebes
M ER
SP A
Sea
The Caribbean AIN The Philippines
)

American troops sailed from Tampa, Florida, to the south coast

War in the Philippines of Cuba in June 1898. Admiral Dewey had already sailed from
Hong Kong to Manila.
Although events in Cuba triggered the
1. Movement According to the two maps, in which area
Spanish-American War, the war’s first military did more of the fighting take place?
actions happened thousands of miles away in 2. Analyzing Information On what two Caribbean
the Spanish colony of the Philippines. These islands did United States forces land?
islands served as a base for part of the Spanish
fleet. In late February 1898, Assistant Secretary
of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt had wired
Commodore George Dewey and his squadron Fighting in Cuba
of navy vessels to prepare for action in the Meanwhile in the Caribbean, a Spanish fleet
Philippines “in the event of declaration of war.” entered the harbor of Santiago on the southeast-
In the early morning hours of May 1, Dewey ern shore of Cuba on May 19. Several days later,
launched a surprise attack on the Spanish fleet an American naval force blockaded the coast,
in Manila Bay, destroying most of the ships. trapping the Spanish in the harbor.
American troops arrived in July. With the help An American land force of about 17,000—
of Filipino rebels led by Emilio Aguinaldo nearly a quarter of them African American—
(AH•gee•NAHL•doh), the Americans captured landed near the city of Santiago. The
the city of Manila. As in Cuba, the Filipino rebels inexperienced, ill-equipped Americans disem-
had struggled for years to win independence barked while forces under Cuban general Calixto
from Spain. Using American-supplied arms, García drove off the Spanish soldiers. When the
they seized the main island of Luzon, declared Cuban and American forces advanced, Sergeant
independence, and created a democratic repub- Major Frank W. Pullen, Jr., wrote that they faced
lic. The rebels expected the United States to sup- “a perfect hailstorm of bullets, which, thanks to
port their independence. However, the United the poor marksmanship of the Spaniards, ‘went
States debated what to do with the islands. high.’” Heavy fighting followed.

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 651

 Theodore Roosevelt that lasted throughout his and helped prepare the
was not only the twenty- life. After serving in the navy for war with Spain.
sixth president of the New York State Assembly, When the war broke out
United States—he was Roosevelt headed west in in 1898, he resigned from
also a writer, historian, 1883, where he hunted his post and helped organ-
explorer, soldier, conser- and also operated a cattle ize the “Rough Riders.”
vationist, and rancher. His ranch. He drew on these Roosevelt came home a
life was one of constant experiences to write sev- war hero and was elected
activity, great energy, and eral books about life in governor of New York in
many accomplishments. the West. 1898. Two years later he
Struggling with poor Roosevelt gained politi- was elected vice president
health as a child, cal experience working on the McKinley ticket.
Theodore Roosevelt for reform at the local and With the assassination of
began to exercise vigor- national levels. In 1897 President McKinley in
ously, gaining strength he was appointed assis- 1901, Roosevelt became
and a love of the outdoors tant secretary of the navy president.

The Rough Riders “A Splendid Little War”

Theodore Roosevelt resigned his position as Secretary of State John Hay called the Spanish-
assistant secretary of the navy to join the fight- American War “a splendid little war.” The war
ing in Cuba. He led the First Regiment of U.S. lasted fewer than four months, and about 400
Cavalry Volunteers, an assorted group of for- Americans were killed in battle or died from
mer cowhands and college students, popularly wounds received in the fighting.
known as the Rough Riders. On July 1 the Yet the war had other aspects that were not at
Rough Riders, with African American soldiers all “splendid.” More than 2,000 Americans died
of the Ninth and Tenth Cavalries, joined the of diseases such as yellow fever, malaria, and
Battle of San Juan Hill. “I waved my hat and other diseases contracted in the tropical climate.
we went up the hill with a rush,” Roosevelt The African Americans who served faced the
wrote later. additional burden of discrimination. Serving in
The Americans captured San Juan Hill after segregated units, African Americans battled
intense fighting. Two days later the Spanish fleet alongside the Cuban rebel army, in which black
attempted to break out of Santiago. In a battle and white troops fought as equals.
that lasted about four hours, the Spanish fleet
was completely destroyed. This defeat ended Explaining Why did Filipino rebels
Spanish resistance in Cuba. help the United States fight against Spain?
The United States then turned its attention to
the Spanish colony of Puerto Rico, east of Cuba.
American troops landed on Puerto Rico in late Acquisitions
July and quickly took control of the island. On The United States and Spain signed the Treaty
August 12 the Spanish signed an armistice—a of Paris on December 10, 1898, marking the offi-
peace agreement—ending the war. cial end of the war. The treaty dissolved most of

652 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

the Spanish empire. Cuba became an
American protectorate, a country that
is technically independent but actu-
ally under the control of another
country. Puerto Rico and the Pacific Should the United States
island of Guam became territories of Take the Philippines?
the United States. Spain also surren- In the late 1800s, the United States stretched its power
dered the Philippines to the United by acquiring Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and many Pacific
States in exchange for $20 million. The islands, including the Philippines. While some
American empire had become a real- Americans applauded the additions to their
ity, and with the empire came new nation, others condemned its ideals.
responsibilities.
His Decision to
Cuban Protectorate en t W illia m M cKinley Relates
Presid
Americans debated what to do ppines, 1899
Annex the Phili ght after
about Cuba. Many congressional
th e flo or of th e White House ni
I walked t ashamed to
leaders believed that the Cubans ght; and I am no
night until midni wn on my
were not ready for complete self- en, that I went do
tell you, gentlem r light and
Almighty God fo
government. American business knees and prayed And one night
than one night.
leaders feared that leaving Cuba guidance more n’t know
e this way—I do
might weaken the political stability late it came to m at there was
it came. . . . [T]h
how it was, but ke them all,
of Cuba and jeopardize American us to do but to ta
nothing left for d uplift and
interests there. the Filipinos, an
and to educate d by God’s
While Congress considered the tianize them, an
civilize and Chris them, as our
best we could by President
matter, American troops remained in grace do the very Ch rist also di . An
ed d then I
fo r w ho m soundly, and McKinley
Cuba. Finally, in 1901, the United fellow-men t to sleep, and slept
d, an d w en er of the War
States agreed to grant Cubans full went to be fo r the chief engine
I se nt
the next m or ni ng him to put the
independence, but only if their new m ap -m aker), and I told
Departmen t (o ur [pointing to
constitution included clauses giving m ap of the United States
Philippines on th e ere they are,
the United States certain rights. on th e w all of his office], and th
a large map President!
ill stay while I am
Known as the Platt Amendment, and there they w
these clauses prohibited Cuba from
making treaties with other nations The Platform of the Anti-Imperialist Leag
and gave America control of a naval ue, 1900
base at Guantanamo Bay. The Platt We hold that the policy known as imperialis
m is
hostile to liberty and tends toward militarism
Amendment also gave the United , an evil
from which it has been our glory to be free.
States the right to intervene in Cuban We regret
that it has become necessary in the land
of Washington
affairs if the country’s independence and Lincoln to reaffirm that all men, of wha
tever race
was threatened. and color, are entitled to life, liberty and
the pursuit of
happiness. We maintain that governments
derive their
New Government for Puerto Rico F r o m History just powers from the
After the war, Puerto Rico Learning consent of the gov-
remained under direct military rule. 1. Why did President McKinley decide erne d. We insist that
In 1900 the United States set up a to take over the Philippines? the subj ugation [con-
2. Why did members of the Anti- quer and control] of
new Puerto Rican government under any people is “crimi-
Imperialist League condemn
the Foraker Act. The American gov- McKinley’s action? nal aggression.” . . .
ernment controlled the new adminis- 3. What do you think each side
tration. In 1917 the Jones Act made believed the mission of the United
Puerto Rico a territory of the United States was at this time?

653
 States and granted American citizenship to all
Puerto Ricans. However, many Puerto Ricans
still wanted independence.

Acquiring the Philippines Puerto Rico

The United States had gained possession of
the Philippines in the treaty that ended the Puerto Rico has its own constitution. Puerto Rico was
Spanish-American War. But acquisition of the granted status as a commonwealth in 1952. This means
that it is a territory of the United States but governs itself
Philippines aroused fierce debate.
under its own constitution. Even though they are citizens,
During the 1890s some people—anti-imperi- Puerto Ricans pay no federal income tax and they can-
alists—opposed the American enthusiasm for not vote for president. Many Puerto Ricans have immi-
foreign expansion and the Spanish-American grated to the United States mainland, which as citizens
War. After the war the anti-imperialists fought they can do freely.
approval of the treaty. Some argued that Amer-
ican rule of the Philippines contradicted the States. More than 4,000 Americans died. Fil-
principles on which the United States was ipinos suffered far greater casualties—at least
founded. Others opposed the large standing 200,000 soldiers and civilians died.
army that would be necessary to control the When Aguinaldo was captured in March 1901,
Philippines. Still others feared competition many Filipino military officers and soldiers sur-
from Filipino laborers. rendered. Others refused to give up even after
Many Americans—including Carl Schurz, Aguinaldo urged them to stop fighting.
Andrew Carnegie, and Mark Twain—joined the In the summer of 1901, the United States trans-
anti-imperialist campaign. The imperialists, how- ferred authority in the Philippines from the mili-
ever, led by Senators Henry Cabot Lodge and tary to a civilian government headed by William
Albert Beveridge, eventually won out. The Senate Howard Taft. Taft set out to prepare the islands
ratified the Treaty of Paris on February 6, 1899. for eventual self-rule. However, the Philippines
In February 1899, Emilio Aguinaldo’s forces did not gain full independence until 1946.
began a fight for independence. This conflict
became a mammoth undertaking for the United Describing What is a protectorate?

Checking for Understanding Critical Thinking Analyzing Visuals

1. Key Terms Write a one-page news- 4. Drawing Conclusions Do you think 6. Geography Skills Study the maps of
paper article about events during the the United States should have taken the war on page 651. Near what
Spanish-American War. Use these permanent control of Cuba and Cuban city was the Battle of San Juan
terms in your article: yellow jour- made it part of its empire? Why or Hill fought?
nalism, armistice, protectorate. why not?
2. Reviewing Facts Summarize how 5. Analyzing Information Re-create
yellow journalism influenced Ameri- the diagram below and list the rea-
cans’ views of going to war with sons some Americans opposed mak-
Spain. ing the Philippines a United States Expository Writing Write a 45-
possession. second news report to convince
Reviewing Themes
viewers that they should pressure
3. Continuity and Change How did Opposition
the United States to get involved in
the United States govern Puerto Rico
a war with Spain over Cuba. Be as
and the Philippines?
persuasive as possible. Present
your report to the class.

654 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

 Technology

Developing Multimedia Presentations

Why Learn This Skill?
You want to present a research report to the
rest of your class, and you want to really hold
their attention. How do you do it? Your presen-
tation can be exciting if you use various media.

Learning the Skill

At its most basic, a multimedia presentation
involves using several types of media. To dis-
cuss life in the Philippines, for example, you
might show photographs of the country. You
could also play a recording of the country’s lan-
guage and music, or present a video showing
the Filipino people at work and at play.
You can also develop a multimedia presenta-
tion on a computer. Multimedia, as it relates to
computer technology, is the combination of
text, video, audio, and animation in a computer
program.
In order to create multimedia productions or
presentations on a computer, you need to have certain • Which of these media forms does my computer
tools. These may include traditional computer graphic support?
tools and drawing programs, animation programs that • What kind of software programs or systems do I
make still images move, and authoring systems that tie need? A paint program? A drawing program? An
everything together. Your computer manual will tell animation program? A program to create interac-
you which tools your computer can use. tive, or two-way, communication? An authoring
system that will allow me to change images,
Practicing the Skill sound, and motion?
This chapter focuses on the overseas expansion of • Is there a “do-it-all” program I can use to
the United States in the late 1800s and early develop the kind of presentation I want?
1900s. Ask yourself questions like the following to
develop a multimedia presentation on the people,
politics, and industries of that era: Developing Multimedia Presentations
• Which forms of media do I want to include? Keeping in mind the four guidelines given above,
Video? Sound? Animation? Photographs? write a plan describing a multimedia presentation
Graphics? Other? you would like to develop. Indicate what tools you
will need and what steps you must take to make
the presentation a reality.

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 655

 Latin American
Policies
Guide to Reading
Main Idea Reading Strategy Read to Learn
After the Spanish-American War, the Analyzing Information As you read • what shaped the policies the United
United States attempted to extend its the section, re-create the diagram States followed in Latin America.
political and economic influence in below and describe these policies. • where and how the United States
Latin America. intervened in Latin America.
Description
Key Terms Roosevelt Corollary
Section Theme
isthmus, anarchy, dollar diplomacy Dollar Diplomacy
Global Connections American
investments in Latin America grew
Moral Diplomacy
in the early 1900s.

Preview of Events
✦1900 ✦1910 ✦1920
1904 1911 1914 1916
Roosevelt Corollary is Revolution occurs Panama Canal Francisco “Pancho” Villa
issued in Mexico opens launches uprising in Mexico

On August 15, 1914, something described as the “greatest liberty that Man has
taken with Nature” occurred. On that day, the first ship, the Ancon, traveled through
the newly built Panama Canal. The world barely noticed, however. Most eyes were
watching Europe, where World War I was beginning. As the ship passed the words on
the great seal of the Panama Canal Zone—THE LAND DIVIDED, THE WORLD
UNITED—the world was setting out to tear itself to pieces.
Canal brochure
Panama
Americans and Europeans had dreamed of building a canal across Central
America to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and to eliminate the long
and dangerous sea voyage around South America. Now that the United States
controlled territory in both oceans, a canal that would allow easier access to
American overseas territory became increasingly important.
In 1879 a French company had acquired a lease from the government of
Colombia to construct a canal across its province of Panama. Panama was an

656 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

isthmus—a narrow strip of land connecting two On November 2, 1903, the American warship
larger bodies of land—about 50 miles (80 km) Nashville steamed into the port of Colón on the
wide. Wedged between the Caribbean Sea and Caribbean coast of Panama. Encouraged by this
the Pacific Ocean, Panama seemed like the per- show of support, the Panamanians revolted the
fect site for the canal. next day and declared their independence.
French efforts to build a canal failed, and in When Colombia sent forces to stop the revolt, the
1901 the United States bought the lease from the United States intervened and turned them back.
French for $40 million. In 1903 Secretary of State
John Hay negotiated a treaty with Colombia The Panama Canal
that granted the United States a 99-year lease on On November 6, the United States recognized
a strip of land across Panama in return for a Panama’s independence. Less than two weeks
payment of $10 million and an annual rent of later, Hay signed a treaty with the new nation of
$250,000. Panama. It gave the United States a 10-mile (16-
In Colombia, opposition to the low price km) strip of land across the country for the same
offered by the Americans led the Colombian amount offered earlier to Colombia. The United
senate to reject the treaty. In a fit of anger, Presi- States now had land to build a canal. Roosevelt’s
dent Roosevelt referred to the Colombians who actions in Panama angered many Latin Ameri-
rejected the treaty as “bandits.” He believed the cans and some members of Congress and other
canal was vital to America’s national defense. Americans. The president, however, took great
pride in his accomplishment. “I took the canal
Revolution in Panama zone and let Congress debate,” he said later, “and
Roosevelt began looking for other ways to get while the debate goes on, the canal does also.”
land for the canal, and he wrote that he would The United States could now start work on
“be delighted if Panama were an independent the canal—not an easy undertaking. Disease
state.” The Panamanians had staged revolts struck the workers. An English writer
against Colombia in the past, but never with suc- described Panama as “a damp, tropical jungle,
cess. This time, however, the Panamanians had intensely hot, swarming with mosquitoes.”
reason to believe that the Americans would sup- These mosquitoes carried two deadly dis-
port them in a revolt against Colombia. eases—yellow fever and malaria.

History Through Art

Work Trains, Miraflores by Alson Skinner Clark The
building of the Panama Canal was a tribute to the skill of
American engineers. The stamp commemorates the
canal’s 25th anniversary. What challenges did Ameri-
can engineers face in building the canal?

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 657

 Analyzing Political Cartoons

This cartoon shows President Theodore

Roosevelt in the role of the world’s
policeman. Roosevelt was given the title
because of his “big stick” diplomacy.
Do you think the cartoonist agrees
with Roosevelt acting as an interna-
tional policeman? Why or why not?

Colonel William Gorgas, an army doctor who property it intended to protect. Yet many Latin
had helped eliminate yellow fever in Cuba, Americans remained bitter over how the Canal
went to Panama to fight the diseases. Gorgas Zone was acquired. This resentment soured
instructed workers to drain swamps, spray relations between the United States and Latin
insecticides, spread oil on stagnant pools of America for years.
water, and cut grassy marshes in order to
Analyzing Why was Panama
destroy mosquito breeding places. By 1906 these
chosen as the site for a canal connecting the Atlantic
measures had eliminated yellow fever and
and Pacific Oceans?
greatly reduced the number of malaria cases.
Without controlling disease, the United States
could not have built the canal.
The Panama Canal was regarded as one of the
Policing the
great engineering feats of the time. Thousands of Western Hemisphere
workers struggled to carve a path through the President Roosevelt often quoted an African
dense jungle and over mountains. They dug out proverb, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” He
huge amounts of earth and rock and used them believed the United States should respond to
to build a dam. They created a large lake and foreign crises not by threats but by military
constructed giant locks to raise and lower ships action. Roosevelt became known for his “big
from sea level over the mountains and then back stick” approach to foreign affairs. America must
to sea level again on the other side of the isthmus. exercise “an international police power,” he
maintained, to preserve order and prevent the
The Grand Opening world from falling into anarchy—disorder and
The Panama Canal opened on August 15, lawlessness.
1914, and a cargo ship, the Ancon, made the first
trip through the canal. A great success from the Roosevelt Corollary
start, the canal reduced shipping costs by cut- Roosevelt worried that instability in the
ting more than 7,000 miles off the voyage from Caribbean region would lead European powers
New York City to San Francisco. The canal also to intervene. Two incidents confirmed his fears.
helped extend American naval power by allow- In 1902, when Venezuela failed to meet pay-
ing the United States fleet to move freely ments on its loans, European nations imposed a
between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. blockade. The following year a revolution in the
In the long run, the canal guaranteed a Dominican Republic toppled the government,
strong American presence in Latin America, causing concern that European powers would
where the United States now had a valuable step in to protect their financial interests there.

658 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

 The president responded to these incidents President Taft was willing to intervene in
in 1904 by asserting America’s right to act as other nations whenever American business
a “policeman” in Latin America, intervening interests were threatened. He believed that
“however reluctantly . . . in cases of wrongdo- American investments would bring stability to
ing.” This policy, known as the Roosevelt Corol- troubled areas of the world, as well as profit and
lary, was an addition to the Monroe Doctrine. power to the United States, without the need for
Up to that time, the United States had used the force. Taft’s policy of linking American business
Monroe Doctrine only to prevent European interests to diplomatic interests abroad was
intervention in Latin America. Under the Roo- known as dollar diplomacy. This policy set in
sevelt Corollary, the United States now claimed motion some positive effects.
the right to intervene in the affairs of Latin Encouraged by dollar diplomacy, American
American nations whenever those nations investments in Latin America grew in the early
seemed unstable. 1900s. American investments helped build
The United States first applied the Roosevelt roads, railroads, and harbors, which stimulated
Corollary in 1905, when it took control of the trade and brought benefits to both Latin Ameri-
Dominican Republic’s finances. This arrangement can countries and the United States.
continued for more than 30 years. The United
States used the policy again in 1906, when troops
were sent to Cuba to stop a revolution there.
Analyzing Political Cartoons
Dollar Diplomacy
Theodore Roosevelt thought of American Uncle Sam is the nickname of the character often used
power mostly in military terms. His successor in to represent the United States in political cartoons. In
this cartoon, Uncle Sam uses the Monroe Doctrine to
the White House, William Howard Taft, took a dif-
warn the leaders of Europe not to interfere in the affairs
ferent view. Taft hoped to modify American for-
of Latin America. How are the European leaders
eign policy by “substituting dollars for bullets.” reacting to Uncle Sam?

B
A
C
A European Leaders B Uncle Sam C Latin America

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 659

 Through her work as father, wrote a series of White Cross to care for
a teacher and newspaper articles about the discrim- the wounded on both
writer, Jovita Idar champi- ination and violence sides of the battle.
oned the cause of equal against Mexican Ameri- She was also instru-
rights for Mexican Ameri- cans in South Texas. mental in forming the
cans. Born in Laredo, Calling on both the U.S. League of Mexican
Texas, Jovita Idar grew and Mexican governments Women. Jovita became
up in a family that for help, the Idar news- its first president and
devoted its skills to paper demanded equal worked hard to provide
the cause. Her father, treatment for Mexican education for Mexican
Clemente Idar, formed American students and American students. The
unions and spoke out for Mexican Americans in organization also pro-
against injustice in his the justice system. vided free food and cloth-
newspaper, La Crónica. During the Mexican ing for the needy in the
In 1910 and 1911, Revolution of 1910, Jovita community.
Jovita, along with her helped organize the

Dollar diplomacy also resulted in a stronger In 1911 a popular Mexican reformer named
role for the United States overseas. Large Francisco Madero (muh•DEHR•oh) led a revo-
American companies gained great power in lution to overthrow Mexico’s brutal dictator
Latin America and controlled the politics of Porfirio Díaz (DEE•ahs). Although foreign busi-
some nations in the region. Furthermore, when ness and some Mexican politicians and landown-
American business interests were endangered, ers had prospered under the rule of Díaz, the
military intervention often followed. In 1912, lives of most Mexicans had grown worse.
when a revolution in Nicaragua threatened Two years after taking power, Madero was
American business interests, the United States overthrown and killed by General Victoriano
quickly sent marines to restore peace. Such Huerta (WEHR•tuh), who—like Díaz—favored
interference led to increased anti-U.S. feelings the wealthy and foreign interests. President
throughout Latin America. Woodrow Wilson, who had just taken office,
refused to recognize Huerta’s “government of
butchers.”
Relations with Mexico
In the early 1900s, Mexico was a poor country Wilson’s “Moral Diplomacy”
controlled by a tiny group of rich landholders. A sincere believer in the ideals of democ-
Investors in the United States poured millions of racy, Wilson thought the United States had a
dollars into Mexican oil wells and other busi- duty “to teach the South American republics
nesses. Then, in 1910, Mexico entered a turbu- to elect good men.” Like Roosevelt and Taft,
lent period in its history—one that threatened Wilson recognized the importance of military
American investments, revealed the weaknesses power and economic interests. Yet Wilson also
of dollar diplomacy, and led to military inter- attempted to follow a foreign policy based on
vention by the United States. moral principles.

660 CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion

HISTORY Wilson’s “moral diplo- against Mexico. Then Villa and his rebels
macy” faced a serious crossed the border into New Mexico and
Student Web Activity challenge in Mexico. burned the town of Columbus, killing 18
Visit [Link] and After Huerta took Americans there.
click on Chapter 22— power, a civil war Villa’s actions outraged the American public.
Student Web Activities broke out in Mexico. The president sent General John J. Pershing
for an activity on foreign
Wilson hoped that the with a large force of troops across the border
policy.
Huerta government, into Mexico to capture Pancho Villa. For almost
without American sup- a year, Pershing’s troops pursued Villa across
port, would fall. When that did not happen, Mexico, but the Mexican people protected Villa.
Wilson authorized arms sales to Huerta’s rival, In 1917, when America’s attention turned to
Venustiano Carranza (kuh•RAN•ZUH). the war raging in Europe, President Wilson
In April 1914, after Huerta’s troops arrested withdrew the troops from Mexico. Mexico and
some American sailors, Wilson ordered United the United States had come close to war, and
States troops to seize the port of Veracruz. This American actions had
show of force strengthened Carranza’s position caused great resentment
and forced Huerta to flee in August. Carranza in Mexico. America’s
took power, and American troops withdrew. experience in Mexico,
like its policies in the
Francisco “Pancho” Villa Caribbean, showed that
Huerta’s resignation did not end civil war in it would willingly use its
Mexico. Rebel leader Francisco “Pancho” power when it believed
Villa launched an uprising against Carranza. its interests or honor was
In January 1916, Villa seized and shot 16 threatened.
Americans because of United States support
for the Carranza government. Villa hoped his
action would damage relations between the Explaining On what princi-
United States and the Carranza government, ples did Wilson base his
but the United States did not take steps foreign policy? Pancho Villa

Checking for Understanding Critical Thinking Analyzing Visuals

1. Key Terms Use each of these terms 4. Making Generalizations Do you 6. Analyzing Political Cartoons Exam-
in a sentence that helps explain its think our government today follows ine the cartoon on page 659. Whom
meaning: isthmus, anarchy, dollar Roosevelt’s, Taft’s, or Wilson’s diplo- do the figures on the left represent?
diplomacy. matic ideas in setting foreign policy? Who is stopping them from crossing
2. Reviewing Facts Describe how the Explain. to the other side?
United States used Panama’s desire 5. Compare and Contrast Re-create
for independence to its advantage. the diagram below and list the differ-
ences between the Roosevelt Corol-
Reviewing Themes Economics Use a reference such
lary and the Monroe Doctrine.
3. Global Connections Compare the as Historical Abstract of the United
different diplomacy styles of Presi- Monroe Doctrine Roosevelt Corollary States to find the value of the U.S.
dents Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson. imports and exports to a Latin
American country from 1890 to
1910. Create a graph showing this
information.

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 661

 Reviewing Key Terms
For each of the pairs of terms below, write a sentence or
short paragraph showing how the two are related.
1. expansionism, imperialism
Overseas Expansion 2. spheres of influence, dollar diplomacy
Expansion 3. annexation, protectorate
• Acquisition of Alaska, new trading ties with Hawaii
and Latin America, and a strong stand Reviewing Key Facts
against European intervention
in the Americas raise the 4. Why did many Americans oppose the purchase of
stature of the United States. Alaska?
5. How did the United States gain access to trade in
China?
6. Who were the Rough Riders?
7. Why did the United States encounter difficult problems
in trying to govern the Philippines?
Spanish-American War 8. What was the purpose of the Roosevelt Corollary?
• In fighting the Spanish-American War, the United States
establishes its willingness to become involved in conflict
to help oppressed people and to protect its Critical Thinking
own interests. 9. Analyzing Themes: Economic Factors What eco-
nomic reasons did the United States have for expand-
ing its foreign interests?
10. Drawing Conclusions Re-create the diagram below
and list the three types of diplomacy. Underline which
type was the most effective during this period. Explain
why you think so.

Type of Diplomacy

Building an Empire
• As a result of the war, the United States gains
a colonial empire and with it the challenge
of governing overseas possessions.
Practicing Skills
11. Developing Multimedia Presentations Study the list
of topics below. Choose one of the topics and explain
Diplomacy how you would use at least three types of media in a
• United States intervention in foreign presentation to best teach the topic to your class.
countries is accomplished with the • Matthew Perry’s mission to Japan
use or show of force—sanctioned • The development of the American navy
by Roosevelt’s Big Stick diplomacy.
• How the United States changed Hawaii forever
Later, in the Pacific and East Asia, a
combination of diplomacy and dol- • The Battle of San Juan Hill
lars helps the United States engage • Building the Panama Canal
in trade and spread its influence.

662
 HISTORY
Self-Check Quiz
[Link]
Visit The and click
American Journey Chapter
Webonsite at 22—
Geography and History Activity Self-Check Quizzes
[Link] andtoclick on Chapter
prepare for the XX—Self-
chapter test.
The building of the Panama Canal was regarded as a great Check Quizzes to prepare for the chapter test.
engineering feat. Study the map of the canal below; then
answer the questions that follow. Economics Activity
18. Work with a partner to create a map showing all of the
areas acquired by the United States during the late 1800s
The Panama Canal and early 1900s. Research to find out about the natural
80°W resources that existed in each area and the importance of
Caribbean
Sea Col´on the area’s location in world trade. Then, starting with
Cristobal these two factors, rank each of the areas on your map as
to its economic value to the United States. The area
GATUN
ranked number “1” should be the most valuable. Com-
LOCKS pare your maps and rankings with other members of the
Madden
Lake
class and create a chart of the overall ratings.
N

W E
S
Alternative Assessment
Gatun
Lake 19. Portfolio Writing Activity Review the chapter for infor-
GAILLARD
CUT
mation about treaties and agreements between various
PEDRO MIGUEL 9°N nations during this period. Make a list of the agreements
LOCKS
PANAMA MIRAFLORES Panama and draw a picture or symbol next to each that will help
LOCKS
Canal Zone you recall its terms.
Balboa
0 10 miles
Canal route
Railroad 0 10 kilometers
Lambert Azimuthal Bay of Panama
Locks Equal-Area projection

Standardized
12. Location What bodies of water are shown on the map of Test Practice
the Panama Canal?
Directions: Choose the best
13. Human-Environment Interaction What is the approxi- answer to the following question.
mate length of the Panama Canal? How did you deter-
mine your answer? The manner in which President Roosevelt acquired
14. Location What cities are located near the path of the the Panama Canal Zone
canal? A angered some members of Congress.
15. Movement In which direction would a ship en route to B led to better relations with Latin America.
Cristobal from Balboa travel? C ended the Spanish-American War.
16. Human-Environment Interaction What does the loca- D led to McKinley’s election.
tion of Panama tell you about the climatic conditions the
canal workers faced?
Test-Taking Tip.
Citizenship Cooperative Activity Be aware of the order of events asked about in a ques-
17. Community Service Working in groups of three, inter- tion. This question specifically asks about the takeover
view one of your community’s officials to learn how you of the Panama Canal Zone. Both choices C and D are
can begin taking an active role in the community. Mem- events that occurred before the events in Panama.
bers of your group may wish to volunteer for some sort Therefore, answers C and D are incorrect.
of community service, then perform the service and
report your experiences to your classmates.

CHAPTER 22 Overseas Expansion 663