The rise of American imperialism after the Spanish-American War marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, leading to the annexation of territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Opposition to this expansionist stance was embodied by the Anti-Imperialist League, which included figures such as Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie. The League argued against imperialism on the grounds of American values of liberty and self-determination, and its activities included public campaigns and education.
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The mysterious explosion of the U.S.S. Maine and America's support for Cuban independence led to a decisive U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War of 1898
Cession of former Spanish colonies
The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1898, resulted in the cession of Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam, and an occupation of Cuba to the United States
Compensation for the Philippines
Spain was compensated with $20 million for the Philippines, marking a new era in American foreign policy and overseas expansion
The expansionist actions of the United States following the war sparked domestic opposition, leading to the formation of the Anti-Imperialist League in 1898
The Anti-Imperialist League, founded in 1898, quickly grew into a national movement with tens of thousands of members, including prominent individuals like Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie
Incompatibility with American Values
The League argued that imperialism was incompatible with the fundamental American values of liberty and democracy, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence
Criticism of U.S. Government's Intentions
The League criticized the U.S. government's perceived intentions to exploit its new colonies for economic and military gain
The U.S. Supreme Court's Insular Cases ruled that full constitutional rights did not automatically extend to all territories under American control, supporting the League's view that the United States was committing "criminal aggression."
The United States' military presence in the Philippines, despite its declaration of independence, led to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902)
The Anti-Imperialist League ultimately failed to prevent the annexation of the Philippines and saw a decline in its influence, leading to its dissolution in 1921
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Following the ______-______ War, the ______ of ______ in 1898 led to the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
Spanish
American
Treaty
Paris
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Formation date and origin of Anti-Imperialist League
Formed June 15, 1898, in Boston; began as regional, became national.
02
Anti-Imperialist League's growth
Quickly expanded into national movement with tens of thousands of members.
