Californians recognized America's overseas expansion during the Spanish-American War as an opportunity to expand the commercial power of their state. Consequently,Californians became divided over the means to achieve the commercial benefits of the Pacific Ocean. Territorial expansionists believed that the acquisition of Hawaii and the Philippines were necessary to counter the influence of the European powers in Asia. Some wanted a colonial system, while others wanted to civilize the islanders and extend America's Manifest Destiny. In contrast, commercial expansionists argued that a foreign policy of free-trade in Asia would achieve their goal without the danger of competing with the European powers for territories. Nevertheless, both sides united to help change the course of America's twentieth century foreign policy. This thesis examines the opinions and influences California expansionists had on the Treaty of Paris. In January of 1899, the United States Senate debated the ratification of the treaty. Concurrently, the California State Legislature passed a joint resolution instructing its two U.S. Senators Stephen M. White and George C. Perkins who both opposed territorial expansion to vote for the ratification of the treaty. Although the vote total was close, the treaty passed by one vote over the two-thirds needed to ratify a treaty. That one vote came from Perkins, who reluctantly switched his vote in favor of the treaty because of the pressure within California. The treaty may not have been ratified if Perkins had not decided to switch.
