America Imperialism Asia and The Pacific: Japan, Russia, China Samoa, Hawaii

Asia: Japan Japan’s actions:  Blocked trade and foreigners U.S. actions:  Matthew C. Perry sails Japan  Impresses with ships and guns Result:  Japan grants trading rights to Americans Think about it…Which motivation for expansion does this international action reflect?

Asia: Russia Russia’s actions:  Wants to sell Alaska U.S. actions:  Seward buys cheap (increases U.S. by 1/5) Americans’ Response:  Opposition:“Seward’s Icebox”; “Seward’s folly” Result:  Later find gold and resources Think about it…Which motivation for expansion does this international action reflect?

Asia: China Europe’s actions:  Divided China into spheres of influence U.S. actions:  Does not want to be excluded Result:  Secretary of State John Hay: “Open Door” Guarantee rights of all nations to trade with China equally Think about it: What does this event show about the foreign policies of European countries at the time?

Asia: China: Boxer Rebellion Chinese:  Organize secret society to combat foreigners (Righteous and Harmonious Fists)  Attacked and killed westerners and Chinese Christians U.S. and Foreigners:  Send troops, crush rebellion, loot city, and kill Chinese Think about it: How does this represent possible negative consequences of imperialism?

Asia: China Second Open Door Policy  Open trade  America intends to preserve open trade  China will remain as 1 country (won’t be broken up)

The Pacific Samoa:  Wanted by Companies- coaling stations Missionaries - Christianity Germany and Britain Typhoon  Prevents armed conflict 10 years later:  Germany and U.S. divide Samoa  Samoans have no say Think about it: Which motivations for expansion does this reflect? Think about it: What do the actions of Germany and the U.S. show about imperialism?

The Pacific Hawaii:  Wanted for… Military and commercial outpost History:  Settled by… American missionaries American sugar farmers Americans React  Rise up against King and then Queen  Force Constitution Annexed by U.S Think about it:What motivations for expansion does this reflect?

Going Back… How did the U.S. manage to engage the Japanese in trade? Why did the U.S. acquire Alaska? What was a main reason for the U.S.’s involvement in Pacific islands? How did the U.S. involvement in China bring about additional international conflict?

Think About It… Do you think U.S. imperialism will cause conflict in international relations? Why or Why not? Is there another way the U.S. could involve itself in the world to advance its interests?