The Explosion Of An American Superpower Essay
1620 Words
7 Pages
The Explosion of an American Superpower At the end of the 19 century, America was becoming a formidable superpower, she had reached the limits of her national frontier, and had achieved the manifest destiny. As any up and coming superpower would do, she turned her interests to the international scale. The sinking of the USS Maine on February 15th 1898, which killed 260 U.S Navy servicemen. This attack on American servicemen gave America the excuse it needed to get involved in a foreign war, and set the precedent for decades of American Foreign Policy. As the 19th century was drawing to a close, so was the expansion west, and the western frontier. The mass migrations westward slowed and America ran out of room to grow. The acquirement of
…show more content…
American businessmen had already spread their influence to the Cuban sugar and tobacco markets. As American presence was growing in Cuba, so was the concern for American citizens living abroad in Cuba. As a result of the American businesses setting up in Cuba and of the worry for American safety, the USS Maine was sent to Cuba to protect the American citizens living in Cuba. Cuba had behind under Spanish rule for over 400 years and within the past couple of decades had started to rise up against their Spanish rulers. America also claimed to have sent the Maine as a gesture to Spain that America wanted Cuba to be free from Spanish rule. The Maine was a safety net sent to protect American interests and peoples in Cuba. While at the same time warning other European powers not to get involved, In essence enforcing the Monroe Doctrine, although Cuba was not under American rule. America used this as an excuse to get somewhat involved Cuban affairs, and catapult themselves into the role of a …show more content…
The fighting lasted a little under a year and ended with the Treaty of Paris signed on April 11th 1899. Very few Americans died, this war which didn’t even last a year was one of the most important wars in United States history. It was the first time American business and profits had sparked a war between America and a European superpower. As a result of the war America became an imperialist superpower. On top of that, Spain forfeited their control of Cuba and allowed an independent Cuba. On top of this Spain handed over Guam, Puerto Rico, the West Indies and the Philippines to America for the lump sum of 20 million
American businessmen had already spread their influence to the Cuban sugar and tobacco markets. As American presence was growing in Cuba, so was the concern for American citizens living abroad in Cuba. As a result of the American businesses setting up in Cuba and of the worry for American safety, the USS Maine was sent to Cuba to protect the American citizens living in Cuba. Cuba had behind under Spanish rule for over 400 years and within the past couple of decades had started to rise up against their Spanish rulers. America also claimed to have sent the Maine as a gesture to Spain that America wanted Cuba to be free from Spanish rule. The Maine was a safety net sent to protect American interests and peoples in Cuba. While at the same time warning other European powers not to get involved, In essence enforcing the Monroe Doctrine, although Cuba was not under American rule. America used this as an excuse to get somewhat involved Cuban affairs, and catapult themselves into the role of a …show more content…
The fighting lasted a little under a year and ended with the Treaty of Paris signed on April 11th 1899. Very few Americans died, this war which didn’t even last a year was one of the most important wars in United States history. It was the first time American business and profits had sparked a war between America and a European superpower. As a result of the war America became an imperialist superpower. On top of that, Spain forfeited their control of Cuba and allowed an independent Cuba. On top of this Spain handed over Guam, Puerto Rico, the West Indies and the Philippines to America for the lump sum of 20 million