Compare And Contrast Post Civil War American Imperialism

American Imperialism.

Following the civil war, the United States was sensitive to European presence in the West. During the war, France had established a protectorate over Mexico and Alaska was possessed by Russia. Secretary of State, William Seward demanded for France withdrawal, mobilising military to Mexico. In 1866, France was forced out of Mexico. In 1867, Seward purchased Alaska from Russia for 7.2 million Dollars, riding the North off a foreign power. In the same year, he acquired Midway Island and proposed acquisition of Hawaii, amidst great debate on extra-continental expansion. The success of Western Frontier encouraged Americans to expand overseas with key areas of interests both nationally and military.

Hawaii was an important

It was economically viable and acted as a doorway to the Eastern Trading Markets of China and Asia. It also provided a good military base for the United States. Cuban nationalists were in constant rebellion and used guerrilla warfare tactics against the Spanish colonialists. To resolve this, the Spanish, grouped the Cubans into concentration camps. The United States sympathized with the Cubans, whom they depicted as fighting for liberty and democracy against an Old World Power. Hostilities grew and President McKinley sent the battleship Maine to protect Americans on the Island. On February 15th 1898, the Maine exploded and sank in Havana and the cause was not determined. McKinley, however not interested with the idea of war, declared war on Spain on April 20th 1898. The war took place in the Philippines, where Secretary of War Theodore Roosevelt led attack of the Spanish in Manila. United States military moved quickly through the Island and took San Juan Hill in July 1st 1898. Spain was forced to surrender on July 17th and with its surrender, United America forces seized Puerto Rico. Spain released Cuba, Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States formally by August 12th

Many believed that a canal was necessary, as it reduced the journey from ocean to ocean. The logical point of crossing was the small Isthmus of Panama. Panama was located in the province of Columbia, and was only fifty miles ocean to ocean. The terrain or topography was difficult. Hay-Pauncefote Treaty was signed in 1901 which cancelled the 1850 Clayton-Bulwer Treaty and granted the United States permission to build a Canal across Latin America. In 1903, Secretary of State Hay negotiated an agreement with the Colombian minister in Washington. The agreement was that, the United States would pay ten million dollars for lease of land and two hundred thousand annually for the land. Though signed in Washington, the Colombian Senate rejected the measure demanding more money. The move by Colombian rulers, led to international incitement and Panamanians rebelled against them. President Roosevelt aided the rebellion and Colombians gave in quickly. Roosevelt recognized the Republic of Panama and a deal for the canal worked out. Panama was later declared independent. The Panama Canal experienced heavy traffic and was highly profitable and America controlled the Caribbean water. A naval base was later established in Guantanamo Bay,