APUSH Review: The Spanish-American War As A Turning Point

Summary

The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, shifting the nation from westward expansion to imperialism. The U.S. acquired territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Cuba, raising debates about the rights of these regions and their integration into the U.S. The war’s aftermath saw the U.S. establish itself as a global power, with actions like the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine further asserting its influence in the Western Hemisphere. The conflict sparked significant debates between imperialists and anti-imperialists over America’s role in the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Spanish-American War (1898) is a significant turning point in U.S. history, shifting the U.S. from continental expansion to overseas imperialism.
• 😀 Before the war, the U.S. focused on westward settlement and economic relations with foreign countries, not territorial expansion.
• 😀 The U.S. gained territories after the war, including the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, though Cuba's independence was limited by the Platt Amendment.
• 😀 Key causes of the war included Yellow Journalism, the explosion of the USS Maine, and the U.S.'s support for Cuban independence from Spain.
• 😀 Manifest Destiny was largely completed by the 1890s, with the frontier considered 'closed,' according to Frederick Jackson Turner's thesis.
• 😀 Alfred T. Mahan's book, *The Influence of Sea Power Upon History*, encouraged the U.S. to build a stronger navy, playing a key role in the Spanish-American War.
• 😀 U.S. foreign policy before the war was primarily economically motivated, with limited territorial acquisitions (e.g., Hawaii, Alaska).
• 😀 The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904) established the U.S. as a 'police power' in Latin America, asserting U.S. authority to intervene in the region.
• 😀 The U.S. debate over imperialism after the war saw a split between anti-imperialists, who argued against annexation on moral grounds, and imperialists, who believed in the U.S.'s duty to 'civilize' other nations.
• 😀 The Insular Cases (1901) decided that newly acquired territories, like Puerto Rico and the Philippines, did not automatically receive full constitutional rights, even if their people were granted American citizenship.

Q & A

Why is the Spanish-American War considered a turning point in U.S. history?

The Spanish-American War is considered a turning point because it marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy from focusing on westward expansion and economic interests to acquiring overseas territories and becoming more involved in international affairs.

What territories did the U.S. acquire after the Spanish-American War?

After the war, the U.S. acquired the Philippines, Cuba, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

How did the concept of Manifest Destiny change after the Spanish-American War?

Manifest Destiny, which focused on westward expansion in North America, was considered complete by the 1890s. The Spanish-American War marked a shift, as the U.S. started acquiring territories beyond the North American continent.

What role did Alfred T. Mahan's book 'The Influence of Sea Power upon History' play in the U.S. foreign policy?

Alfred T. Mahan's book emphasized the importance of naval power for world dominance. His ideas encouraged the U.S. to build up its Navy, which played a significant role in the Spanish-American War and the subsequent acquisition of overseas territories.

What was the significance of the McKinley Tariff in the context of the Spanish-American War?

The McKinley Tariff raised prices on goods such as sugar imported from Hawaii, prompting American sugar farmers in Hawaii to call for annexation to avoid these tariffs. This laid the groundwork for Hawaii's annexation in 1898.

How did the U.S. government justify its involvement in Cuba after the Spanish-American War?

Although Cuba gained independence on paper, the U.S. continued to intervene in Cuban affairs through the Platt Amendment, which allowed the U.S. to restore order and approve Cuban treaties. The U.S. also gained control of Guantanamo Bay.

What were the Insular Cases, and what did they determine regarding the U.S. Constitution?

The Insular Cases were a series of Supreme Court rulings that determined the U.S. Constitution did not automatically apply to newly acquired territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, even though their citizens were granted American citizenship.

What were the two main groups that emerged after the Spanish-American War, and what did they argue about?

The two main groups were the anti-imperialists and the imperialists. Anti-imperialists, including figures like Andrew Carnegie and Mark Twain, argued that the U.S. should not control foreign territories, citing violations of self-determination. Imperialists, such as President McKinley, argued it was America's duty to civilize and democratize other regions.

What was the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, and why was it important?

The Roosevelt Corollary expanded the Monroe Doctrine by stating that the U.S. could intervene in Latin America to preserve order and prevent European intervention. It established the U.S. as a 'police power' in the Western Hemisphere.

How did the Spanish-American War influence U.S. foreign relations in Latin America in the early 20th century?

The war and the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine led to increased U.S. intervention in Latin America, including military actions and the construction of the Panama Canal, which the U.S. controlled until 1999.