America Becomes a World Power

Setting New Goals Manifest Destiny –Belief that the US was meant to spread from coast to coast –Once this goal was achieved, America had nowhere else to expand except overseas Imperialism – policy in which stronger nations extend their control over weaker nations

Reasons for U.S. Imperialism European countries had already begun colonizing parts of Africa and Asia Americans felt the need to “keep up” with European imperial nations who were building colonies around the world The U.S. decided to support imperialism for 3 main reasons: –Economic –Military –Cultural

Economic American industry grew so large that companies needed new sources of raw materials (natural resources) and overseas markets to sell their products

Military The U.S. wanted to establish military bases overseas for use as naval refueling stations and to maintain a military presence around the world Admiral Alfred Mahan encouraged the U.S. to build a modern navy so it could compete with European militaries

Cultural Many believed in Social Darwinism and the responsibility of advanced nations to “civilize” the “inferior races” of the world by spreading modern technology, Christianity, and democracy –This belief came to be known as “White Man’s Burden”