Justifications for Imperialism

After defeating Spain, the United States occupied Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippine Islands. Cuba became nominally independent, although the United States maintained the legal right to intervene in Cuban domestic and foreign affairs. The other former Spanish colonies of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines became overseas territories of the United States. (Hawaii also became an official territory of the United States in 1898.) This meant that the U.S. now controlled lands beyond its own borders and joined the ranks of imperialist powers.

Watch this video to learn how the media in the United States helped to justify such a major change in America's role in the world.

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Take Notes

Summarize the media's justifications in support of the U.S. becoming an imperial power.