U.S.Imperialism in Guam
US History, Period 1
HOW DID THE U.S. ACQUIRE GUAM?
- In 1896 during the beginning of the Spanish-American War, The United States set to annex the Philippines and decided to go for Guam as well to increase our land.
- The Spanish troops occupying Guam didn't know about the war, and didn't respond the the U.S. ship's signal.
- After the Americans and Spanish discussed the war, the Americans gave 30 minutes for the Spanish to sign a cession treaty.
- The treaty was signed and Guam was annexed peacefully, with no conflicts or casualties.
(Image of USS Charleston, United States Ship that landed and annexed Guam)
WHY GUAM? WHAT EFFECTS ON FOREIGN POLICY DID GUAM GIVE US?
- Guam was annexed for sheer land purposes during the Spanish-American war.
- Guam made trade and connection to Asia and Eastern countries more easily accessible and strategic.
- Now Guam is used as a military stronghold with one naval base (1898) and an air base (1944). Around 7,000 American military personnel are stationed at Guam.
- While Guam exists to the US as an official American territory and strategic military stronghold, the people have little to no voting rights in American politics.
MODERN SYNTHESIS/POST 1918 GUAM
- North Korea threatened to send missile strikes on Guam in 2017, which is very troubling. Governor of Guam Eddie Baza Calvo spoke about this: “An attack or threat on Guam is a threat or attack on the United States. They have said that America will be defended.”
- The Second Battle of Guam occurred in 1944 (WW2) to reclaim and recapture the island from the Japanese.
Guam: Why America's Most Isolated Territory Exists
Military bases in Guam
Routes and connections to the Spanish in Guam
Historical dated map showing all foreign influence in Guam.
Political cartoons about American Imperialism, Guam being among the lands America expanded into.
Another cartoon showing the adverse treatment of nations influenced by imperialism.
Henry Glass, captain of the USS Charleston and officiator of the meeting to annex Guam.
Francisco Martinez Portusach, Spanish occupant, captain, and brief governor of Guam during the annexation. Other important figures not pictured include Captain Pedro Duarte Anducar, Jose Sixto, General Anderson, and Commander William C. Gibson.
"The people of Guam have struggled through colonization that threatened our very existence and then fought for our very lives in the anguish of World War II. Our manamko, the greatest generation, did more than survive war; they rebuilt this island to be a shining example of what could be. Their sheer determination and will to live and thrive are a reminder that we are as strong as the latte. Though we are a small island in the Pacific – no matter what is thrown in our direction — we will persevere. We are a resilient and exceptional people. History has shown this." --- Previous Guam Governor Eddie Baza Calvo
Citations
“Governor Calvo Delivers His Final State of the Island Address.” KUAM.com-KUAM News: On Air. Online. On Demand., https://www.kuam.com/story/37491190/2018/02/Tuesday/governor-calvo-delivers-his-final-state-of-the-island-address.
Little, Becky. “How the United States Ended Up With Guam.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Aug. 2017, https://www.history.com/news/how-the-united-states-ended-up-with-guam.
Mcavoy, Audrey. “Q&A: What Does the US Military Do on the Island of Guam?” Military.com, https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/08/10/q-and-a-what-does-us-military-do-island-guam.html.
