1898: visual culture and U.S. imperialism in the Caribbean and the Pacific

Abstract

"In 1898, the United States seized territories overseas, ushering in an era of expansion that was at odds with the nation’s founding promise of freedom and democracy for all. This book draws on portraiture and visual culture to provide fresh perspectives on this crucial yet underappreciated period in history. Taína Caragol and Kate Clarke Lemay tell the story of 1898 by bringing together portraits of U.S. figures who favored overseas expansion, such as William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, with those of leading figures who resisted colonization, including Eugenio María de Hostos of Puerto Rico; José Martí of Cuba; Felipe Agoncillo of the Philippines; Padre Jose Bernardo Palomo of Guam; and Queen Lili‘uokalani of Hawai‘i. Throughout the book, Caragol and Lemay also look at landscapes, naval scenes, and ephemera. They consider works of art by important period artists Winslow Homer and Armando Menocal as well as contemporary artists such as Maia Cruz Palileo, Stephanie Syjuco, and Miguel Luciano. Paul A. Kramer’s essay addresses the role of the Smithsonian Institution in supporting imperialism, and texts by Jorge Duany, Theodore S. Gonzalves, Kristin L. Hoganson, Healoha Johnston, and Neil Weare offer critical perspectives by experts with close personal or scholarly relations to the island regions. Beautifully illustrated, 1898: Visual Culture and U.S. Imperialism in the Caribbean and the Pacific challenges us to reconsider the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and the annexation of Hawai‘i while shedding needed light on the lasting impacts of U.S. imperialism."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents

Foreword / Kim Sajet -- Introduction. 1898: U.S. imperial visions and revisions / Taína Caragol and Kate Clarke Lemay -- 1. "The portraits in the gallery have never been only national" / Kristen Hoganson -- Prelude to empire: Indian wars and sea power -- 2. "Our culture has to be the core of our resistance" / Healoha Johnston -- Hawaiian resistance and U.S. imperialism -- 3. "Cuba and Puerto Rico: two wings of a bird?" / Jorge Duany -- On the verge of sovereignty: Cuba and Puerto Rico at the turn of the twentieth century -- 4. "Forgetting empire, remembering resistance" / Theodore S. Gonzalez -- Cutting path to sovereignty: the complex political landscapes of the Philippines and Guam -- 5. "America has a colonies problems" / Neil Ware -- 1898: a contest in memory -- Forces at play: war and empire in the art of Winslow Homer and Armando García Menocal / Kate Clarke Lemay -- New possessions: colonial curios, trophies, weapons, and museum collections from the Philippine-American War / Paul A. Kramer -- The 1898 diasporas: contemporary artists redefining portaiture / Taína Caragol.