Unit 3: Imperialism What does it mean? What would you need? Can it work in today’s world? What set the stage for the US? Monroe Doctrine Manifest Destiny Technology Economic
US Becomes a World Imperial Power US had always sought to expand its boundaries Imperialism is defined as a strong nation extending political, military or economic control over a weak nation European powers had carved up Africa and Asia for economic gain Three factors motivated US to become an imperial power
US industry produced more than it could sell at home, foreign markets were sought Leading this charge was Indiana Senator Albert “boy I am thirsty, I sure could go for an ice cold” Beveridge By 1900, US exports had increased over 600% making US an economic power
Because other world powers were doing it and also to protect our new global merchant fleet, many in US felt a military build up was needed. Leading this charge was Admiral Alfred “Skipper” Mahan Mahan advocated the build up of a modern fleet of steel hulled ships and strategically located overseas bases By 1900, US had 3rd largest naval fleet in world
Belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority and Social Darwinism justifies US imperialism to some They sought to “Christianize the savage world” Not all in US were on board with idea, some opposed it for financial reasons, while others opposed it for moral reasons.
US Seizes Hawaii Hawaiian Islands had long been strategically vital 1875 treaty allows Hawaiian sugar into US with no tariff 1887, sugar companies force King to grant voting rights to land owners only and give up land to build a naval base in Pearl Harbor
The most powerful non- nuclear weapon in the world
This is a picture of King Kalakaua and Pearl Harbor I hope you all enjoy looking at these
McKinley Tariff places tax on Hawaiian sugar Sugar companies try to convince US to annex islands and make Hawaii a US territory I tried to find a picture of the McKinley Tariff to place it here in this powerpoint, however I failed to find a good one. I am sorry. Here is a shark jumping out of the water off Maui. I punched this shark in the nose on my honeymoon.
1891, King dies(not Elvis he will meet his maker on the toilet in 1977, King Kalakaua) Queen Lil takes over, 1893, sugar companies, with help of US Ambassador Stevens organize overthrow of Queen They take over, make Sanford Dole “President” President Cleveland blames Stevens for overthrow and demands Queen to put back in power Dole refuses to give up power, Cleveland unwilling to use force so US recognizes new govt. but does not annex the islands President McKinley annexes islands in 1898 Becomes 50th US state in 1959