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The then Secretary of State, William Seward, was an early supporter of American imperialism. He showed this support through his purchasing the Alaska territory from Russia, for 7.2 million dollars. Many Americans, especially those against imperialism, criticised Seward's purchase, and mocked it by calling the deal "Seward's Ice Box and Seward's Folly". Most people that criticised Seward's purchase did not see the value that Alaska had, primarily because of its abundant natural resources.
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Americans have been expanding their nation throughout the 19th century. Most Americans were pro imperialism because they believed in establishing a global military presence, especially through a large navy, they were intrigued by the prospects of exotic foreign markets and their resources, and they believed that they had a racial responsibility to spread free-market competition and christianity to civilizations across the world.
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Ever since the late 1700's, Hawaii had become an important rest stop for American merchants. through the first half of the 1800's, Sugar plantations and other white Americans began to arrive to Hawaii in bunches. the Mckinley Tariff of 1890 caused Hawaiian plantation owners to lobby for annexation. After the new queen of Hawaii was in favor of the Americans leaving, the owners staged a revolt and overthrew the queen. After a brief time as a republic, Hawaii was officially annexed in 1998.
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The treatment of Cuba by Spain had caused many to believe that they should get involved. The practice of yellow journalism helped fuel the fire of war with Spain. After a Spanish letter that criticized President Mckinley, and the suspicious explosion of the USS Maine, Congress declared war on Spain in April of 1898. The war ended in August, and was deemed "a splendid little war" by Secretary of State John Hay. The 1898 Treaty of Paris officially ended the war and gave the US Spain's territory.
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In 1899, the Filipinos revolted against the oppressive rule of the United States. they were led by Emilio Aguinaldo who, like many, was angered that the US had not given the Philippines independence. The filipinos employed guerrilla tactics, and it took nearly 3 years for the US to end the revolt. After the revolt, the US set up a similar government to Puerto Rico's, but unlike Puerto Rico, the Philippines gained their independence in 1946.
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The Philippines would end up being the gateway for American influence in Asia. After seeing the competition between several European nations, Secretary of State John Hays sent out the "Open Door Notes" which proposed free and open trade between all the countries interested in China. In 1900, the Boxer Rebellion occurred due to resentment from the Chinese people about foreign invaders. The rebellion was quickly smashed by the several countries working together.
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Many Puerto Ricans did not want statehood, so during the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico was under military control. The 1900 Foraker Act ended military rule and set up a civil government. The US president elected the Puerto Rican governor and the members of the upper house, but Puerto Ricans could vote for the lower house. In 1917, Congress extended citizenship to Puerto Ricans, and they gained the ability to elect both houses of legislative.
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In 1898, when the US went to war with Spain, the recognized Cuba's independence. The US also passed the Teller Amendment, which stated the US had to plans to annex Cuba. The US kept the government officials that led under Spanish rule, which angered many Cuban citizens. The US added the Platt Amendment to Cuba's constitution, and it stated America had the right to intervene in Cuba if their interests were being threatened. Cuba would stay as a protectorate for 31 years.
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When Theodore Roosevelt became President in 1901, he was already a public supporter of imperialism. As president, Roosevelt expanded American influence in Asia. His biggest imperialistic accomplishment however, was the Panama Canal. After a brief show of force to Columbia, Roosevelt helped Panama achieve independence, and signed a treaty to start construction of the canal. Roosevelt believed in Big Stick diplomacy, which meant "try for peace, but be ready for war".
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In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson started his campaign on pressuring Latin American nations into forming democratic governments. These pressure caused Mexican peasants and workers overthrew the military dictator of Mexico, Porfirio Diaz. After an incident in Tampico, Wilson saw fit to intervene in Mexico. A small American invasion almost pushed America and Mexico to war, but they were both advised against. Wilson's actions in Mexico were not supported by many, because it did not solve anything.
