American imperialism in the 1890s was marked by expansionism examples in U.S. history, as the nation became an imperialist power. The American identity and success had been because of westward expansion, but the panic of 1893, the worst economic crisis in American history up to that point, and the rise of social Darwinism shook the confidence of many Americans and business leaders.
Spanish-American War in the Philippines
The Spanish-American War played a significant role in American imperialism in the 1890s. The Cuban revolution of the 1860s against Spanish rule and America's economic involvement in Cuba led to a fight against European rulers, with the US supporting the Cubans. The explosion of the USS Maine, mysteriously reported by yellow journalism, was blamed on Spain, leading to the US entering the war for humanitarian, democratic, and economic reasons. The sinking of the Maine inflamed passions, and some Americans wanted to take control of Cuba.
Impact on the Philippines and Cuba
Following the end of the Spanish-American War, the Teller Amendment established that the US had no intention of annexing Cuba. However, after negotiations with Spain, Cubans had no say in the Treaty of Paris of 1898, where Cuba gained independence from Spain, but Spain still transferred control of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. This led to the Philippine-American War, where Filipino forces fought against American imperialism, and the US imposed the reconcentration policy on the rural Filipino population.
Progressives and World War I
During the early 1900s, the Progressive era aimed to solve problems caused by industry, city growth, and laissez-faire economics. The Progressive movement included reformers from all races and genders, and it was built on new emerging middle-class professionals driven by a desire to investigate tradition and maintain scientific management. The movement succeeded in making changes in cities, but populists, who were primarily rural, failed to break away from the mainstream party.
The US Entry into World War I
The US joined World War I due to economic ties with the allies, particularly after unrestricted submarine warfare sank US ships. The country also sought to spread and stabilize democracy, and this led to its entry into the war. The end of the war saw the US's reluctance to join the League of Nations, leading to a period of isolationism until the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II.
World War II and Post-War America
The involvement of the US in World War II led to an increase in the power of the federal government and ended the Great Depression through government spending. The war also brought debates about civil rights and racial segregation, increased migration from Mexico through the braceros program, and upended gender roles through the work done by women in factories.
The victorious D-Day invasion in 1944 marked the turning point against Nazi Germany, with America's superior production capabilities and the impact of fighting a two-front war contributing to the victory.
Post-World War II America
Following World War II, the GI Bill provided educational support, increased productivity and skilled labor, and transformed the American economy from wartime to peacetime. However, racial discrimination in the form of educational segregation and racially restrictive covenants continued, and there was a baby boom that drove a strong demand for housing and the development of suburbs.
The Cold War Era
The Yalta Conference divided Germany and Berlin into four zones and established the demilitarization and denazification of Germany. The Truman Doctrine aimed to contain the spread of communism, and the NSC-68 led to the expansion of the US military during the Cold War.
Overall, American imperialism in the 1890s, World War I, World War II, and the Cold War era had significant impacts on the expansion, development, and policies of the United States, both domestically and abroad.
