What is imperialism? Policy in which stronger nations extend their control over weaker territories Economically and politically Often using military control This was happening all around the world Scramble for Africa

Why should the U.S. expand? Global Competition “every one else is doing it…” Three primary factors: Desire for military strength Thirst for new markets Belief in cultural superiority

Military Strength

Alfred T. Mahon Among American military leaders that pushed the U.S. to build up its military strength Wanted U.S. to have a competitive navel force “The Influence of Sea Power on the World”

New Markets Farming technology had resulted in over production and a surplus of good Raw materials in the U.S. were drying up

Cultural Superiority Social Darwinism Free market competition Racial superiority of Anglo-Saxons Need to “civilize” the “inferior people” Spread Christianity

The first to fall… William Seward Secretary of State under Lincoln and Johnson Supporter of imperialism Convinced the House to purchase Alaska from Russian for $7.2 million in 1867

“Seward’s Icebox” Also called “Seward’s Folly” Many people thought this was a wasted investment However, Alaska was home to much timber, minerals, and OIL Alaska became a state in 1959.

On to Hawaii… Midway Islands (1867) 1300 miles North of Hawaii Uninhabited Easily taken

Why Hawaii? Since the 1790s: Hawaii had been an important stop on the way to China Missionaries in 1820s: Set up Christian schools and churches Became sugar planters who sold to the U.S. By 1900: Immigrants and Americans outnumbered Natives

Sugar Planters These planters controlled 75% of the wealth in Hawaii U.S. agreed to import Hawaiian sugar for free (1875) McKinley Tariff threatened planters Created competition

Pearl Harbor 1887 Navel base in Hawaii’s best port Refueling station for American ships

Hawaii’s Monarchy King Kalakaua was convinced to amend Hawaii’s constitution Said only wealthy landowners could vote Died in 1891 His sister took control

Queen Lilioukalani “Hawaii for Hawaiians” Removed restriction on voting Revolution Organized by Ambassador John L. Stevens Overthrew Lilioukalani Sanford B. Dole Head of new government

United States Reaction President Cleveland President McKinley Wanted Lilioukalani restored to power Would only annex Hawaii if a majority of Hawaiians agreed Succeeded Cleveland Favored annexation August 12, 1898 Congress proclaimed Hawaii an American territory Hawaiians had no say

Hawaii Hawaii became a state in 1959.