Transcript Over view of America at the turn of the Century ppt

The United States takes
its Place in the World
The Building of an Empire
A Grade 5
Social Studies Online
Activity
Blueprint
History – Era 7
(1890 – 1930)
Emergence of Modern America
 Interpret how culture changes over time as
a consequence of industrialization,
technology, or cultural diffusion (i.e.,
railroad transportation, telecommunication,
building design, varied types of music, and
the growth of government services).
By the late 1800’s the United States had
emerged as a leader in agriculture and
industry.
Now that our country stretched from ocean
to ocean, many American leaders felt that
the United States should start stretching to
new lands. They looked for new resources
and materials and new markets for
American goods.
Alaska – a mistake?
Many Americans thought it was foolish for
the United States to buy Alaska from Russia
in 1867 because it was so far away and so
unknown.
However, in 1896 gold was discovered in
the Klondike region and a gold rush
reminiscent of 1849 began.
Definitely Not!!
Buying Alaska turned out to be very
profitable, and as resources of gold, fish,
lumber, coal and copper poured in, many
felt that we should search for new lands
across seas.
Aloha Hawaii!!
The Hawaiian Islands had been inhabited
since the eighth century. By the late
1800’s many Americans lived there. In
1887 King Kalakaua tried to keep
Americans from taking over his islands,
but failed. The many Americans who
lived there forced the King to sign a new
constitution that left the Hawaiian
monarchy with no power.
Hawaii for the Hawaiians Again
Queen Liliuokalani was one of the most
renown queens of Hawaii. She tried in
1893 to bring back the monarchy’s
authority. She vowed to make Hawaii a
place ruled by the native people again. She
failed and Hawaii was annexed as a state in
1898. Queen Liliuokalani was the last
queen of Hawaii and wrote the famous
song Aloha Oe which means “Farewell to
thee.”
The United States began to come into
conflict with other countries who were
spreading beyond their borders, too –
especially Spain.
President McKinley sent our battleship,
the Maine, to Cuba to show our country’s
support
of
their
rebellion
for
independence from Spain. The ship
exploded in Havana’s harbor and many
people blamed Spain.
On April 25, 1898, the United States declared war
on Spain. The slogan of the war?
“Remember the Maine!”
The Spanish American War
Thousands of Americans volunteered to fight in
the war against Spain. Our Army quickly grew
from 30,000 soldiers to more than 274,000.
Theodore Roosevelt was one of the war
volunteers and he led a company of cowhands
and college athletes who called themselves the
rough riders.
Over Quickly, but not Quickly
enough
The war lasted less than 4 months, but
more than 5000 Americans died. The
United States was left feeling like a
stronger world power. Under the peace
treaty, the United States gained control of
Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico and the
Philippine Islands. Guam and Puerto Rico
are still under US control today.
Theodore Roosevelt - a name to
remember
Because of his part in
the war, Theodore
Roosevelt was a very
popular man. He
quickly was elected to
public positions and
soon became the Vice
President of the United
States. When President
McKinley was
assassinated in 1901,
Theodore Roosevelt
became the new
President of the United
States.
President Roosevelt steered the United
States more actively into world politics. He
liked to quote a favorite proverb, "Speak
softly and carry a big stick, and you will go
far.”
He believed that what happened in the rest
of the world directly affected the United
States, thus the United States should help
shape the world.
"In any moment of decision, the best thing
you can do is the right thing. The worst thing
you can do is nothing."
President Roosevelt was a man of Action.
Many Americans thought that he would bring our
country to war because of his tough rhetoric and
opinions concerning peace and readiness for war.
Instead, and in spite of the broiling turmoil across
the oceans, “the two Roosevelt administrations
were among the most peaceful and harmonious in
all of American history. And as if that were not
enough, the president was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize for his role in negotiating the end to the bitter
Russo-Japanese War in 1905 – the first American
so honored.” *
The Panama Canal
President Roosevelt saw the need for a
shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans and began the process that would
build the Panama Canal. For years people
had talked about the possibility of such a
canal and the French had attempted one
years earlier, but were unsuccessful. Thick
jungles and disease were major problems.
Another problem arose when Columbia
refused to sell the isthmus of Panama to the
US.
??Too many problems??
Not willing to give up on the canal, President
Roosevelt sent word to the people of Panama
that IF a revolution against Columbian rule
happened to take place, the US Navy would
be near to prevent Columbian troops from
entering Panama. A revolution soon took
place, Panama became independent and gave
the US permission to begin work on the canal.
New machines, medicine, and knowledge
helped keep the workers healthy.
President Roosevelt was the first President of the
United States to leave the United States while
President. He visited the Panama Canal on
August 15, 1914. The canal today still helps
move people and goods all around the world.
A World Power
In a manner of a few
decades, the United
States had found her
place among the
leaders of the world.
Her influence was felt
by many and her
people were proud to
call themselves
Americans.
Resources
 *Carry a Big Stick - The Uncommon Heroism of
Theodore Roosevelt, by George Grant 1996; Cumberland
House Publishing Inc.
 The United States in Modern Times, Harcourt Brace,
2002