APUSH: Period 6, 1865-1898 - The Spanish-American War and American Imperialism

Why This Matters

The Spanish-American War and American Imperialism mark a significant turning point in U.S. history, as the nation transitions from isolationism to global power. This shift reflects the AP theme of Politics and Power, as the U.S. government expands its influence abroad, challenging traditional notions of American identity and the Monroe Doctrine. The war's aftermath sets the stage for the United States' emergence as a global superpower, with far-reaching consequences for international relations, economic development, and domestic politics.

Key Events & People

• The sinking of the USS Maine (February 15, 1898): An explosion on board the U.S. battleship in Havana Harbor led to a declaration of war against Spain.
• Theodore Roosevelt (26th U.S. President, 1901-1909): As Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt advocated for a strong naval presence and supported the war effort.
• The Treaty of Paris (December 10, 1898): The U.S. and Spain signed a treaty ending the war, with Cuba gaining independence and the U.S. acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
• William McKinley (25th U.S. President, 1897-1901): McKinley's leadership during the war and his support for imperialism helped shape the nation's foreign policy.
• The Platt Amendment (1901): This amendment to the Cuban Constitution, imposed by the U.S., limited Cuban sovereignty and established a U.S. military presence on the island.
• The Philippine-American War (1899-1902): A conflict between U.S. forces and Filipino rebels, sparked by the U.S. annexation of the Philippines.
• Emilio Aguinaldo (Filipino revolutionary leader): Aguinaldo led the Philippine resistance against U.S. rule, but was eventually captured and forced to negotiate a treaty.
• The Open Door Policy (1899): Secretary of State John Hay's policy aimed to ensure equal trade opportunities for the U.S. in China, marking a shift towards economic imperialism.
• The Spanish-American War's impact on the U.S. economy: The war marked a significant increase in U.S. military spending and the emergence of the U.S. as a global economic power.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The sinking of the USS Maine and the subsequent declaration of war against Spain.
• Effect: The U.S. acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain.

• Long-term consequence: The U.S. emergence as a global superpower, with a significant increase in military spending and economic influence.

• Cause: The Platt Amendment's limitation of Cuban sovereignty.

• Effect: The establishment of a U.S. military presence in Cuba.

• Long-term consequence: The U.S. continued to exert significant influence over Cuba's politics and economy.

• Cause: The Philippine-American War.

• Effect: The U.S. annexation of the Philippines.
• Long-term consequence: The U.S. emergence as a colonial power in Asia.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Imperialism*: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or economic domination.
  • Example: The U.S. acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain.
• *Manifest Destiny*: The 19th-century idea that the U.S. was destined to expand its territory across North America.
  • Example: The U.S. annexation of Texas and the Mexican Cession.
• *Spheres of Influence*: The division of a region or territory into areas of influence controlled by different powers.
  • Example: The Open Door Policy in China, where the U.S. and other powers agreed to equal trade opportunities.
• *Gunboat Diplomacy*: The use of military force or the threat of force to achieve diplomatic goals.
  • Example: The U.S. use of naval power to force Spain to surrender its colonies.
• *Colonialism*: The practice of a country establishing settlements or colonies in another territory.
  • Example: The U.S. establishment of colonies in the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
• *Expansionism*: The policy of expanding a country's territory or influence through military conquest or economic domination.
  • Example: The U.S. expansion into the Pacific and the Caribbean during the Spanish-American War.
• *Nationalism*: The promotion of a nation's interests and identity over others.
  • Example: The U.S. emphasis on its national identity and interests during the Spanish-American War.
• *Realpolitik*: The practice of pursuing national interests through pragmatic and often ruthless means.
  • Example: The U.S. use of military force and economic pressure to achieve its goals in the Philippines.
• *Sovereignty*: The right of a nation to govern itself and make its own decisions.
  • Example: The Platt Amendment's limitation of Cuban sovereignty.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Spanish-American War was fought primarily over Cuba's independence.

• Correction: The war was sparked by the sinking of the USS Maine, but the U.S. also sought to expand its influence in the Pacific and Caribbean.

• What students often get wrong: The U.S. acquired the Philippines from Spain as a result of the Treaty of Paris.

• Correction: The U.S. acquired the Philippines from Spain as a result of the Treaty of Paris, but the Philippine-American War followed, as Filipino rebels resisted U.S. rule.

• What students often get wrong: The Platt Amendment was a result of the Spanish-American War.

• Correction: The Platt Amendment was a result of the U.S. occupation of Cuba after the Spanish-American War.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of imperialism in the Spanish-American War. How did the U.S. justify its expansionist policies, and what were the consequences for the affected territories?
  • Evidence: The Platt Amendment, the Open Door Policy, the Philippine-American War, and the Treaty of Paris.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of the Spanish-American War on the U.S. economy and foreign policy. How did the war mark a shift towards global power, and what were the long-term consequences?
  • Evidence: The U.S. military spending, the emergence of the U.S. as a global economic power, and the Open Door Policy.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the significance of the Spanish-American War in the context of American identity and the Monroe Doctrine. How did the war challenge traditional notions of American identity, and what were the implications for U.S. foreign policy?
  • Evidence: The Platt Amendment, the Philippine-American War, and the Treaty of Paris.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the primary cause of the Spanish-American War?
   • Correct answer: The sinking of the USS Maine.
   • Explanation: The sinking of the USS Maine sparked a declaration of war against Spain, but the U.S. also sought to expand its influence in the Pacific and Caribbean.
2. What was the result of the Philippine-American War?
   • Correct answer: The U.S. annexation of the Philippines.
   • Explanation: The war marked a significant increase in U.S. military spending and the emergence of the U.S. as a colonial power in Asia.
3. What was the significance of the Platt Amendment?
   • Correct answer: The Platt Amendment limited Cuban sovereignty and established a U.S. military presence on the island.
   • Explanation: The amendment marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, as the U.S. exerted significant influence over Cuba's politics and economy.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Spanish-American War was fought from 1898 to 1902.
• The Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, 1898.
• The Platt Amendment was imposed on Cuba in 1901.
• The Philippine-American War lasted from 1899 to 1902.
• The U.S. acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain.
• The Open Door Policy was announced by Secretary of State John Hay in 1899.
• The Spanish-American War marked a significant increase in U.S. military spending.
• The U.S. emerged as a global superpower after the Spanish-American War.
• The Platt Amendment limited Cuban sovereignty.
• The Philippine-American War was sparked by the U.S. annexation of the Philippines.
• The Treaty of Paris established the U.S. as a colonial power in Asia.