For this week's post, discuss how US overseas expansion influenced the character of the nation. How did the authors from this week's readings link the concepts of immigration/migration and empire? How did US encounters in Asia and later with Asian immigrants influence the nation?
Here are the readings and an additional one attached:
The Debate Over Empire
The Hawaiian Example
Reading Assignment:
Christina Duffy Burnett, "The Noncitizen National and the Law of American Empire"
Read a short interview of the author here:
Gary Okihiro: "Empire and Migration" short piece
Primary Documents:
"Hawaii: Life in a Plantation Society," Library of Congress
https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/japanese/hawaii-life-in-a-plantation-society/
Week 7: The American Empire and Migration
Definition: Expansionism
Broadly speaking, expansionism consists of expansionist policies of governments and states. While some have linked the term to promoting economic growth (in contrast to no growth/sustainable policies), more commonly expansionism refers to the doctrine of a state expanding its territorial base (or economic influence) usually, though not necessarily, by means of military aggression.
The American Empire
satirical drawing published in La Campana de Gràcia (1896), criticizing U.S. behavior regarding Cuba. Text below reads: "Keep the island so it won't get lost.”
English: Satyric drawing from the Catalan Newspaper: "La Campana de Gràcia"
Català: Dibuix satíric del diari català: "La campana de Gràcia
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Spanish–American War
The Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the US, the result of American intervention in the Cuban War of Independence.
American attacks on Spain’s Pacific possessions led to involvement in the Philippine Revolution and then to the Philippine–American War.
Revolts against Spanish rule had occurred for some years in Cuba.
Historical Context of the Conflict
In 1823, U.S. President Monroe wrote the Monroe Doctrine which stated that the United States would not tolerate further efforts by European governments to colonize land or interfere with states in the Americas; however, Spain's colony in Cuba was exempted.
Before the Civil War, Southerners urged the U.S. to purchase Cuba and make it new slave territory. The proposal failed, and national attention shifted to the Civil War.
By 1877, the United States accounted for 83 percent of Cuba's total exports,
North Americans were also increasingly taking up residence on the island, and some districts on the northern shore were said to have more the character of America than Spanish settlements
Spanish-American War
Early in his career, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in preparing the Navy for the Spanish-American War. He was an enthusiastic proponent of testing the U.S. military in battle, at one point stating "I should welcome almost any war, for I think this country needs one
The Treaty of Paris (1898) ended Spanish American War
The Treaty specified that Spain would cede to the United States the archipelago of the Philippine Islands, and comprehending the islands lying within a specified line.
In accordance with the treaty, Spain:
Gave up all rights to Cuba (see Teller Amendment and Platt Amendment)
Surrendered Puerto Rico and gave up its possessions in the West Indies
Surrendered the island of Guam to the United States
Surrendered the Philippines to the United States for a payment of twenty million dollars
American Overseas Possessions
Victory in the Spanish-American War turned the U.S. into a major world superpower, as the attainment of the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines expanded U.S. economic dominance in the Pacific. This growth continued to have effects on U.S. foreign and economic policy well into the next century
Definition: Annexation
Annexation is a crucial instrument in the expansion of a nation, due to the fact that once a territory is annexed it must act within the confines of its superior counterpart.
The United States Congress’ ability to annex a foreign territory is explained in a report from the Congressional Committee on Foreign Relations, “If, in the judgment of Congress, such a measure is supported by a safe and wise policy, or is based upon a natural duty that we owe to the people of Hawaii, or is necessary for our national development and security, that is enough to justify annexation, with the consent of the recognized government of the country to be annexed.”
Annexation of Hawaii
Spurred by the nationalism aroused by the Spanish-American War, the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898 at the urging of President William McKinley.
Hawaii was made a territory in 1900. Racial attitudes and party politics in the United States deferred statehood until a bipartisan compromise linked Hawaii’s status to Alaska, and both became states in 1959.
Annexation of Hawaii, 1898
America’s annexation of Hawaii in 1898 extended U.S. territory into the Pacific and signaled the rise of the United States as a Pacific power.
For most of the 1800s, leaders in Washington were concerned that Hawaii might become part of a European nation’s empire. During the 1830s, Britain and France forced Hawaii to accept treaties giving them economic privileges.
Queen Liliuokalani
Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha, was the last monarch and only queen regnant of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
When Queen Liliuokalani moved to establish a stronger monarchy, Americans under the leadership of Samuel Dole deposed her in 1893.
In 1894 Samuel Dole sent a delegation to Washington in 1894 seeking annexation of Hawaii, but the new President, Grover Cleveland, opposed it and tried to restore the Queen.
Spurred by the nationalism aroused by the Spanish-American War, the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898 at the urging of President William McKinley.
Hawaii was made a territory in 1900, and Dole became its first governor. Racial attitudes and party politics in the United States deferred statehood until a bipartisan compromise linked Hawaii’s status to Alaska, and both became states in 1959.