Empire
168. Teddy Roosevelt Takes on the Old World
Jul 15, 2024
Joining the discussion is Daniel Immerwahr, a Northwestern University history professor and author of "How to Hide an Empire." He dives into Teddy Roosevelt's controversial initiation of the Spanish-American War during an osteopathic break. The talk explores Cuba's crucial economic role and the moral dilemmas of American imperialism. They highlight Roosevelt's dynamic persona and the jingoism that fueled war fever, alongside reflections on the lasting impacts of this conflict on U.S. identity and colonial ambitions.
50:27
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Quick takeaways
- The Spanish-US war marked a pivotal shift towards American colonialism and expansion, acquiring territories like the Philippines and Guam.
- The Monroe Doctrine justified US intervention in conflicts like the Spanish-US war to protect American interests from European influence.
Deep dives
Origins of the Spanish-US War
The late 19th century marked the end of confrontations between the US Army and indigenous tribes, leading up to tensions surrounding the Spanish-US war as the frontier concept dissipated. The 1890s represented a period of growth for the US, yet concerns arose regarding economic constraints and a decline in frontier-based expansion amidst a volatile capitalist landscape. This historical context sets the stage for the Spanish-US war due to changing socio-economic dynamics.
