American Expansionism and American Empire

I. Motivations for American Imperialism

A. Economics
B. Nationalism
C. Competition
D. Historic Tradition

II. Alfred Thayer Mahan, the Navy, and the Search for Colonies

A. Mahan and The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783
B. Theodore Roosevelt
C. Theories of the Benefits of War
D. America Looks for Colonies in the Caribbean & Asia

III. War with Spain

A. Causes

1. Cuba
2. Yellow Journalism
3. U.S.S. Maine

B. Operations

1. Philippines & Admiral Dewey
2. Fighting in Cuba

a. Roosevelt & the Rough Riders
b. "Buffalo Soldiers"

3. Results

IV. The Importance of the Spanish-American War