Latin America Imperialism lecture

Imperialism in the Western Hemisphere: 

Imperialism in the Western Hemisphere The United States looks for colonial control

Background: 

Background Latin America = area rich in resources Latin America = countries with newly gained independence Latin America = area that needs money to modernize and industrialize

What happens when a country needs money?: 

What happens when a country needs money? Borrows from other countries Becomes “enslaved” by debt to these countries

Which country had the most interest in Latin America? Why?: 

Which country had the most interest in Latin America? Why?

The U.S. shows interest in Latin America: 

The U.S. shows interest in Latin America The Monroe Doctrine- (1823)- “the American continents…are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.” The Roosevelt Corollary (1904)- As a result of the Monroe Doctrine the United States had the right to act as an international police officer in the Americas

Spanish American War: 

Spanish American War Spain still had several colonies in Latin America Cuba rose up against Spain and the United States supported them American press shared stories of Spanish cruelty in Cuba, “Remember the Maine” U.S. went to war with public support

Why did the U.S. want this war?: 

Why did the U.S. want this war? Economic interests in Cuba Geographic interest in Cuba as well Identified with Cuban fight for liberty against Europeans

Effects of the War: 

Effects of the War Territory gained by the U.S.- Cuba, Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico All were “freed” from European powers But the U.S. insisted on the right to intervene in Cuban affairs How do you think this influenced the life of the Cubans, Puerto Ricans etc.?

Building the Panama Canal: 

Building the Panama Canal Why? Already more involved in Latin America Economic, Military interests in Panama Canal How to get what they wanted? U.S. offered Columbia money for the land; they refused U.S. helped Panamanians gain independence from Columbia, leased land

Building the Canal: 

Building the Canal What were the hardships that Americans battled while building the canal? floods, heat, mosquitoes, difficult working conditions 1914-Canal finished

Effects of the Panama Canal: 

Effects of the Panama Canal U.S. gained control of important economic holdings in Latin America, Latin Americans not totally independent Gained interests in other islands for economic goals (Hawaii, Philippines) 2000- still affecting Panamanian society, handed over leadership to Panama 1970’s-2000