Imperialism Stronger nations attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nations

Setting the Scene Late 1800’s following industrial growth and rise of cities Beginning of mass culture and assimilation Westward expansion New national identity

Factors Economic: Growth of industry led to increased need for resources and new markets Nationalistic: Competition for large empires meant rise in nationalism. Europeans take actions to protect their interests Military: Advances in military technology made European armies and navies superior Humanitarian: spreading western ideas of law, medicine and Christianity (cultural superiority)

Europe’s Lead Improved transportation and communication Competition for new territories Annexed lands: joined new territories to existing ones Leaders: Great Britain, Russia, Spain, France and Germany Lands targeted: Asia, Africa, Caribbean Islands

What is this cartoon portraying? U.S. Expansion What is this cartoon portraying?

U.S. Expansionists William Seward: Secretary of State Purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 (7.2 million) in hopes that presence on both sides of Canada would force British out Despite being known as “Seward’s Folly,” Alaska was rich in resources such as oil, timber and minerals Commodore Matthew C. Perry: 1853, led American fleet into Tokyo Bay which opened trade with Japan By 1860, U.S. and several European nations signed treaty to open trade with China

Did Seward have the right idea?

Imperialistic Individuals Josiah Strong: 1890’s emerged as one of the country’s strongest voices in support of American Imperialism. He represented the religious and sociological supporters of the movement Frederic Remington: Sent to Cuba to draw sketches of the reporter’s stories. His pictures were used by yellow journalists to develop exaggerated accounts of the war between Cuba and Spain (attempt to gain American attention and support)

Do you agree with Yellow Journalism?

Fighting for the Cause Charles Darwin: introduced idea of Social Darwinism which was used to justify the take over of other territories because expansionism was the nation’s destiny and noble pursuit because it introduced Christianity and modern civilization to other nations Alfred T. Mahan: wrote Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 which argued that the nations economic future relied on gaining new markets abroad and that they needed a strong navy to protect these markets from foreign rivals

Arguments for Expansion Promoting economic growth Protecting American security Preserving American Spirit

Conclusion Americans lean towards expansion because they did not see themselves as rulers of the oppressed people and wanted new markets abroad and favorable trade relations

Analysis: What arguments can be made against American expansion? mmcdermott@oldsaybrook.k12.ct.us