US Foreign Policy

12/11/2014 6:44:00 AM

Preceding Events in Cuba

By instituting Sugar Tariff US fueled Cuban economic distress ->
rebellion against Spain
Spanish instituted reconcentration policy in response to insurgents
guerilla warfare
Yellow journalism told stories of Cuba and increased American
sympathy and support for Cubans
Prez. Cleveland didnt want intervention, afraid it would lead to
annexation against peoples will
Went to war with Spain in 1898

Cuban insurgents released Spanish letter that criticized McKinley

and that said Spain was not going to take reforming Cuba seriously
o Evoked anti-Spain feeling in the US

War Against Spain

Began in Manilla Bay, Philippines, US destroyed Spanish fleet
Congress passed vote to annex Hawaii
War against Spain was poorly organized, soldiers lacked food and
uniforms

Roosevelt fought in war at Santiago with the Rough Riders

Americans suffered many casualties on first days
Spanish fleet tried to escape, US sank them
Spain surrendered

Treaty of Paris and Philippines

McKinley unsure of what to do with newly acquired Philippines
Treaty Included (Spain and US)
o Spain gives US Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam

o Spain sells Philippines for $20 million

Many Americans were unsure of what to do with Philippines
Congress passed the Treaty but rejected Philippines independence
o Were afraid another country would take it

Eastern Asia and the Pacific

China
o Americans had long-standing trade interests in China

o China gave US most-favored-nation-status

o US exports were low, dreamed of selling to the Chinese (new
market - large population)
Japan and Korea
o Japan and Korea refused to engage in trade
Deflected Western Influences
Avoided European power rivalries
o By 1854 and 1882 US navy convinced Japan and Korea to
open ports
Hawaii
As trade grew in Asia, US ships needed a place to refuel
Interest Fell on Hawaii
Early missionaries convinced Hawaiians to wear clothes
US ships frequently stopped there, wanted to prevent other
countries from taking
o King Kalakaua
Became king in 1894
Relations close with US
Approved treaty that gave Hawaii sugar free access to
o
o
o
o

the US
Hawaiian sugar trade grew quickly
Sugar became vertically integrated with US economy
o Haole Word for people living in Hawaii for people that were
not of native ancestry, white
o Relations between Haole and Kalakaua were not good
King wanted to preserve power for the indigenous
Haoles argued that he was ignoring need of business
o 1887 News broke that King profited from opium bribery
Haoles used news to force constitution in him and
reduce his power
o Soon Haoles dominated the govt
o King approved treaty that allowed US to use Pearl Harbor
o Resentment of US began to boil in royal family

12/11/2014 6:44:00 AM

12/11/2014 6:44:00 AM