IAH 201 Dr. Magee
Section 22 –Paper 2
10/26/14
From Relative Isolation to Increase Global Involvement
From the time of the Spanish American War until the beginning of Cold War, the United States went from relative isolation to increased global involvement because of geopolitical interests, the roaring twenties, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The consequences of this increased global involvement on American society was anti imperialism following the Spanish American War, the great depression, and the United States involvement in World War II. American policy makers were forced to consider greater involvement because of geopolitical reasons. Tensions with Spain were very high. Americans felt that they were the victims and Spain was the oppressor. The United States also had a large business interest in Cuba with economic ties to the island. Grover Cleveland, while serving his second, non-consecutive term as president spoke of the large amount of capital invested in Cuba in 1896. “It is reasonably estimated that at least from $30 million to $50 million of American capital are invested in plantations and in railroad, mining, and other business …show more content…
Concluding the war, after a relatively easy American victory, the Treaty of Paris was signed, giving the United States control of Cuba, Puerto Rica, Guam, and the Philippine Islands. The acquisitions of these islands turned off the Americans to the idea of imperialism. President McKinley said himself that he did not know what to do with the Philippines, stating that the only reason he supported the annexation of the island was because it was his only choice diplomatically. The following quote by McKinley also relates to the humanitarian nature of the people of the United States in the late 19th century. McKinley