Becoming A World Power 1872-1920

The Imperialist Vision Immediately following the US Civil War (1861-1865), most Americans showed no interest in expanding territory outside the US or having international influence. 1880’s- economic and military competition from other nations and a feeling of cultural superiority convinced many Americans that the US should be a world power. New Imperialism- European nations were already expanding overseas when the US took interest. Why did Europeans want to become imperialist powers? Need for raw materials for their factories. High tariffs around the world forced nations to seek new markets for products Investment opportunities in Western Europe slowed = investments in Africa & Asia Protectorates Not a colony—imperial power allowed local leaders to stay in charge, in exchange, local leaders accepted advice from imperial power. Protectorates were used to protect investments in foreign nations.

The US Decides to Expand Many Americans took notice of foreign expansion (New Imperialism) Until the late 1800’s, the US had expanded mostly by settling the western frontier—now many Americans wanted to expand overseas. Factors Pushing American Imperialism New Markets for America’s growing economy by the late 1800’s. Social Darwinists- nations compete with each other and only the strongest will survive. John Fiske- wrote that English-speaking nations had superior character, ideas, and system of government (Anglo-Saxonism). Josiah Strong (Minister)- Anglo-Saxon is best suited to spread Christianity and civilize other nations.

America Became More Assertive in World Affairs Three international crisis's in the late 1800’s are evidence the US was becoming more assertive. Samoa (1888)- US risked war with Germany to prevent Germany from taking Samoa. Chile (1891)- US forced Chile to pay reparations for US sailors attacked by mob. Venezuela (1895)- the US supported Venezuela against Great Britain in a border dispute. As Americans became more willing to use force overseas, the need for a large, modern navy was apparent. Captain Alfred T. Mahan (US Navy)- wrote a book in which he argued that powerful nations needed a large, powerful navy to protect merchant ships and defend trade. “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783”– Mahan’s book Powerful Congressmen supported the navy idea (Albert Beveridge & Henry Cabot Lodge) President William McKinley’s advisers supported the navy idea too

America Expands in the Pacific American business leaders believed that increased trade with China and Japan would benefit the US. Japan’s History of Isolation Ends In the past Japan’s leaders did not want contact with the west and allowed only the Chinese & Dutch to trade with them. The Commodore Mathew Perry Expedition 1853- President Millard Fillmore was pressured by Congress to force a Japanese-American trade relationship. Sent Mathew Perry and 4 American warships to Japan. Japan impressed with US warships and trade goods. Japanese & US signed Treaty of Kanagawa. Treaty of Kanagawa US allowed to trade with two ports in Japan Called for peace between US & Japan Gave US ships permission to buy supplies at Japanese ports. US shipwrecked sailors receive Japan’s help. Effect: Japan began to modernize, build large, modern navy, and build empire in Asia.

Annexing Hawaii As trade with Asia grew in the 1800’s, Americans began seeking ports to refuel (coal) and resupply their ships while crossing the Pacific. 1878--Samoan Islands- US gets permission to open a navy base at Pago Pago. Hawaii US merchant and whaling ships had stopped in these islands for many years. 1819- US missionaries from New England arrived in Hawaii. Mid-1800’s US businessmen established large sugar planation's in Hawaii. US Interest In Hawaii Grows In 1872 a severe recession hit Hawaii and lasted several years. Some Americans worried the Hawaiian’s would turn to British or French for help. A TREATY with the US exempted Hawaiian sugar from US Tariffs (Hawaii would pay no tariffs on sugar imported into the US). When the treaty came up for renewal a few years later—the US insisted Hawaii allow the US a naval base in HAWAII== Pearl Harbor. Effect: Hawaii’s economy boomed & created great wealth for US PLANTERS there.

Annexing Hawaii In 1887, US planters in Hawaii pressured the Hawaiian King to accept a new constitution which limited the King’s authority. Tensions between the planters and Hawaiian’s. 1890- US Congress passed a new tariff that gave subsidies to sugar growers inside the US= NOW Hawaiian sugar would be more expensive than US grown sugar. Sales of Hawaiian sugar drop== US planters in Hawaii unhappy. Planters decide Hawaii should be annexed== made part of the US. The Overthrow of the Monarchy in Hawaii 1891- Queen Liliuokalani came to power in Hawaii and she disliked powerful US planters. 1893- the Queen tried to initiate a new constitution asserting her as ruler of Hawaii. US planters in Hawaii were angered; with help of US Marines (USS Boston) forced the Queen to step down. US planters asked the US to annex Hawaii. President Cleveland refused to annex Hawaii immediately. 1898- the US annexed Hawaii as a territory of the US (does not become a state until 1950).

Diplomacy in Latin America The US wanted to increase its influence in Latin America in the late 1800’s. The US already bought raw materials from Latin America but, Latin America bought most manufactured goods from Europe NOT the US. US business leaders & government officials wanted to increase sales of US products there & make Europeans know that the US was dominant in Latin America. The Pan-American Conference (1889) Led by Sec. of State James G. Blaine held the 1st conference; held in Washington D.C. All Latin American countries EXCEPT Dominican Republic sent representatives. Two Goals for the US at the Conference Create a “Customs Union” between the two. Create a system for Latin American nations to work out their disagreements peacefully. Both goals were rejected by Latin American nations. The Commercial Bureau of American Republics- was established to promote cooperation in the Western Hemisphere== now known as Organization of American States (OAS).