How the United States Built its Colonial Empire, Pt. 2
Summary
This episode explores U.S. overseas expansion, focusing on the Spanish-American War and the subsequent colonization of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam. The hosts discuss how the U.S. suppressed local independence movements, utilized colonial policing tactics, and established the legal framework of "unincorporated territories" via the Insular Cases. They examine the lasting impacts on these regions, including military exploitation, economic burdens like the Jones Act, and the precarious nature of citizenship for residents.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsors, and episode setup
Decline of the Spanish Empire and US expansionism
Yellow journalism and the USS Maine explosion
Spanish-American War and Filipino independence
Philippine-American War and flag symbolism
Puerto Rican flag colors and political status
Colonial policing, torture, and militarization
Sponsors and ad breaks
US occupation of Cuba and the Platt Amendment
Colonial public health campaigns and hookworm
Puerto Rico's political status and repression
Other US territories: Guam, Samoa, and VI
The Jones Act and economic impact on colonies
Why Alaska and Hawaii became states
Sponsors and ad breaks
The Insular Cases and unincorporated territories
American Samoa citizenship and travel challenges
Birthright citizenship and statutory laws
Imperial feedback loop and modern annexation threats
Guest bio, outro, and final sponsors
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