Imperialism Oh yeah, we went there…

Imperialism – expanding a nation’s power and wealth by acquiring foreign colonies

Industrial Revolution Need for markets, raw materials and coaling stations Profits available for investments

Extension of Manifest Destiny (idea that it was our destiny to expand from Atlantic to Pacific) Frontier closed by 1890 Saw imperialism as a logical extension Motivated manufacturers and investors to look beyond our borders for economic opportunities

Example of European Nations 1880s “new imperialism” particularly of Germany, Japan, Britain, France and Belgium

Example of European Nations Stimulated American interest in empire building Wanted to be a major power and not fall behind

Foreign Trade Prior to 1876 the U.S. had a notable unfavorable balance of trade Since 1876 had a favorable balance of trade – increase in the export of manufactured goods over agricultural goods

Foreign Trade Dominant factor in compelling every President to seek expansion of our foreign markets

American Nationalism Duty to spread the benefits of American civilization to less fortunate people around the globe

American Nationalism American expansionists urged the U.S. to assume it’s rightful place as a great power by embarking on a policy of imperialism

American Nationalism Number of writers fueled expansionist impulse – viewed imperialism as the way for Anglo-Saxons to conquer the world to make mankind free

Rudyard Kipling “The White Man’s Burden” – duty of Europeans to spread their culture and style of government

Josiah Strong Our Country – Congregational minister and racist – preached future of Anglo-Saxon race especially the American part of it would dominate the world – one of the first to urge Americans to think of their future international role and to develop potential as an imperial nation

Alfred T. Mahan The Influence of Sea Power Upon History – urged expansion of merchant marines, construction of a navy to protect it and acquisition of overseas bases that would enable the fleet to operate in distant areas

Alfred T. Mahan Influence strong in shaping naval policy in Washington and molding opinion and inspiring ambition among such rising statesmen as Henry C. Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt

Early Acquisitions Alaska – purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million Gratitude to Russia for her support of the Union during the civil War Desire to reduce foreign possessions in North America

Early Acquisitions Samoan Islands – starting in 1872, the harbor of Pago Pago served American merchant ships as a supply harbor and coaling station

Early Acquisitions Midway Island – 1867 as a coaling station Hawaii – in 1893 had a queen named Liliuokalani, in 1898 annexed