Rise of the American Empire: 1865-1915

The time period between 1865 and 1915 saw a tremendous growth in the power of the United States. Between these years, the United States expanded its sphere of influence and grew in its territorial holdings. This signaled the beginning of the American Empire and was evident in the events that transpired and in the actions of the leadership of the United States during this era.

There are many examples of the American Empire during these years, but none prove the existence of the empire quite like the Spanish-American War. On the surface, it seems that this war was all about Cuban independence from Spain. However, the government of the United States had long had its eye on Cuba as well as the Spanish territory of the Philippines. For Cuba, its significance was as a naval base and a point to push European influence out of the region. It seemed initially that the conflict could be avoided when the Cuban began pushing for independence. Under pressure from the American government, Spain agreed to an armistice. However, the American government had already made up its mind to go to war, and President Taft urged Congress to swiftly approve military action. In the conflict in Cuba that followed, Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders became famous as war heroes, even though it was African-Americans who bore the brunt of the fighting in that battle.

The issue of the Philippines was even more critical in the Spanish-American War and the growth of the American Empire. American interest in the Philippines was primarily due to its proximity to China and America's interest in establishing an economic sphere of influence in the region. The battles in the Philippines were very bloody and resulted in the deaths of thousands from disease and injuries. Out of this conflict would arise the Open Door policy. The Open Door policy stated that all nations with influence in China should keep open the boundaries of trade in China. Most of the nations involved did agree to a certain extent, except for Russia, who did not approve of it.

Strong influence in Cuba and control of the Philippines were not the only results of this expansionist policy. Puerto Rico became a territorial holding and Hawaii was annexed after the queen was overthrown. These were both considered to be of extreme strategic naval importance. Racism thrived during this time period, as is evident when one Californian newspaper said that America does not want Filipinos, only the Philippines.

The Spanish-American War is the best example of how the United States became an empire between 1865 and 1915. As its economic power steadily grew following the Civil War, so did its hunger for more power and influence. This war gave the United States exactly what it needed to aggressively pursue this expansion.

Sources
Goldfield, James The American Journey