Beginnings of American Imperialism Samoset Middle School 8th Grade Social Studies
U.S. Foreign Policy before 1890’s Based on President Washington’s Farewell Address in 1796, U.S. followed a policy of neutrality & isolationism Avoid permanent alliances Stay out of Europe’s affairs Why would he want this for U.S.??? “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world..”
Manifest Destiny U.S. always followed a policy of expansionism => extending its national boundaries. How? By 1890, historian Frederick Jackson Turner declares the frontier closed.
U.S. Moves Beyond Manifest Destiny 1854 => U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry arrives in Japan with 7 warships (the Japanese called these “floating volcanoes”) Forces Japanese Emperor to sign the Treaty of Kanagawa – launching trade with the West Reasons Japan Practiced 100% Isolationism Effects of Treaty of Kanagawa on Japan
Seward’s “Folly”?? Who was right, Seward or Nast?? 1867 => Secretary of State William Seward persuaded Congress to annex (take over) Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean. 1867 => Seward agrees to pay Russia $7.2 million for Alaska (2￠ per acre!) – increasing the size of the U.S. by almost 20%. SHOW MAP OF US w/ MIDWAY & ALASKA Who was right, Seward or Nast??
Imperialism The policy of powerful countries seeking to control the economic and political affairs of weaker countries Between 1870 and 1914, Britain, Germany and France seized control of all of Africa and much of Southeast Asia Between 1870 and 1914, United States will expand to the Pacific Ocean and Latin America
Master of the Seas Alfred Thayer Mahan U.S. naval captain Called for improving and enlarging the navy. Argued sea power would protect shipping and provide access to world markets Powerful navy would need overseas colonies where ships could be supplied and refueled. By the early 1900’s the U.S. had the naval power it needed to back up an expanded role in world affairs.
Reasons for U.S. Imperialism Economic Political Economic – U.S. now industrial – need raw materials for factories and markets to sell goods. Also to eliminate competitors. Political – Overseas provided naval bases – build up of navy with iron and steel. Keep rivals out Social – belief in superiority of America. God-given right to spread democracy and religion to others – like Manifest Destiny – obligation to civilize the uncivilized Social
Reasons for U.S. Imperialism Economic U.S. now an industrial power Colonies provide raw materials Colonies provide new markets Political Need for strong naval bases Keep out other rival nations Spread of democracy Economic – U.S. now industrial – need raw materials for factories and markets to sell goods. Also to eliminate competitors. Political – Overseas provided naval bases – build up of navy with iron and steel. Keep rivals out Social – belief in superiority of America. God-given right to spread democracy and religion to others – like Manifest Destiny – obligation to civilize the uncivilized Social Moral superiority – obligation to spread American religious beliefs & culture (i.e., Christian missionaries, “civilize the uncivilized”)