The Spanish-American War and Overseas Empire

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) American Foreign Policy 1890-1914 The Spanish-American War and Overseas Empire The United States had not engaged in a major foreign military battle since its war with Mexico in 1846, and the Spanish-American War marked a turning point in the nation's rise to imperialism. The conflict was ostensibly about the Cuban revolutionaries' rights to fight for their independence from Spain, but it was actually much more important to the US government's goal of becoming a worldwide powerhouse. In addition to the fact that the United States was able to take land from another empire, the Spanish-American War was noteworthy because it made the world aware of the United States' tremendous military might. Just as the twentieth century was starting, the United States dramatically shifted the balance of power in the world in what Secretary of State John Hay called "a splendid little war". The start of the Spanish-American War and the following rise of the US as an overseas empire made the years between 1890 and 1914 a pivotal time in US foreign policy history. Since its battle with Mexico in 1846, the United States had mostly abstained from significant military operations overseas until this conflict. But the Spanish-American War was a turning point in American history, indicating a move away from isolationism and toward imperialism. The SpanishAmerican War was purportedly sparked by the Cuban rebels' struggle for independence from Spain. However, the US government's fundamental goals to increase its power and establish itself as a major player in the world were hidden underneath this outward objective. The war gave the US the chance to take over areas that the Spanish Empire had previously controlled, including the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. In addition to increasing American territorial claims, these purchases marked the nation's foray into the world of international imperialism. The display of the United States' enormous military might was one of the Spanish-American War's most important results. The quick and comprehensive win over Spain demonstrated American military power to a global audience. Famously, Secretary of State John Hay described the fight as "a splendid little war," highlighting the belief that the war was an effective demonstration of American might and ability. Wide-ranging effects on American foreign policy and the nation's place in international affairs were caused by the Spanish-American War. It signaled a dramatic change in the balance of power as the US became the main actor on the global scene. The US became an imperial state with interests and influence that went well beyond its continental borders after acquiring foreign lands. Furthermore, the conflict strengthened American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Originally formulated in 1823, the Monroe Doctrine established American dominion over the Americas and cautioned European countries against engaging in any more colonization or involvement in the area. This theory was strengthened and American dominance in the Western Hemisphere was solidified during the Spanish-American War. Following the Spanish-American War, the US also had to deal with issues of sovereignty and government in the newly-acquired lands. Debates centered on the Philippines in particular as American politicians struggled with questions of colonial governance and self-determination. In the end, the US established a colonial regime in the Philippines, which led to opposition and an uprising against US authority. All things considered, the Spanish-American War was a turning point in American history that helped the country grow from a regional to a worldwide power. It changed American foreign policy and paved the way for more growth and engagement in global issues. The conflict served as a showcase for American military might and established the foundation for the country's rise to prominence in the international arena during the 20th century.