America Builds an Empire American Imperialism America Builds an Empire

American Imperialism Imperialism- When a more powerful country exerts influence or force on weaker, poorer countries.

American Imperialism Alaska was purchased by the United States from Russia in 1867 for 7.2 million This equates to only $0.02 cents per acre!

American Imperialism William Seward – United States secretary of state from 1861-1869 who negotiated the purchase of Alaska

American Imperialism Seward’s Ice Box or Seward’s Folly – name that was mockingly given to the purchase of Alaska. Many people felt that it was a waste of money, that Alaska was nothing but tundra

American Imperialism Why were they wrong? – Alaska is rich in natural resources Timber - gold - oil

American Imperialism Hawaii – annexed in 1898 Why was Hawaii important? Economically – link between the U.S. and the Pacific Militarily – Great natural harbor for the navy

American Imperialism Queen Liliʻuokalani was thrown from power by the How did the U.S. acquire Hawaii? Queen Liliʻuokalani was thrown from power by the Committee of Safety, an all white group of Hawaiians. The U.S. sends a company of marines and the queen resigned. Hawaii was annexed by William McKinley in 1898

American Imperialism Cuban Revolution – Cuba was struggling for independence from Spain. Public opinion was split Businessmen wanted American intervention to look out for their best interests The people wanted to remain at peace

American Imperialism Yellow Journalism – Pulitzer and Hearst published sensationalized stories that heightened tensions between the U.S. and Spain jyr

American Imperialism Sinking of the Maine When a riot broke out in Havana, the U.S. sends the U.S.S. Maine to protect American interests and citizens

Sinking of the Maine On Feb 15th, 1898, the U. S. S Sinking of the Maine On Feb 15th, 1898, the U.S.S. Maine exploded in Havana harbor, killing 260 sailors. Newspapers would blame the Spanish

American Imperialism The United States Blockaded Cuba on April 21st, Spain Declared War April 23rd.

American Imperialism Rough Riders – name for the First United States Volunteer Cavalry. Formed with the help of Theodore Roosevelt to fight the Spanish in Cuba The hero of San Juan hill was Theodore Roosevelt The entire war only lasted 3+ months

American Imperialism Treaty of Paris (1898) –United States wins gaining multiple territories: Cuba Phillipines Puerto Rico Guam

American Imperialism Monroe Doctrine – No European influence in Western Hemisphere

American Imperialism Big Stick Diplomacy- The idea of negotiating peacefully but also pressuring nations with a powerful military “Speak softly and carry a big stick”

American Imperialism Great White Fleet – 16 U.S. Battleships completed a circumnavigation of the globe. The ships were painted white. This was a show of force to the world