Reasons for Expansion and Imperialism

Building Support for Imperialism. Imperialism: total dominance of one nation over another nation. Early after the American Civil War, most Americans did not want America to expand its territory and influence. Instead, they concentrated on rebuilding the south during reconstruction. However, during the 1880’s, American opinion began to shift towards a desire for America to become a world power. This happened due to increasing economic and military competition as well as a feeling of cultural superiority.

Economics: A Desire for New Markets. By late 1880’s, most industrialized nations in Europe had placed tariffs on each other to protect their factories at home. Investment opportunities in Western Europe had slowed. Building railroads, factories and mines in Europe created a high level of employment. However, by this time, all of those things Europe needed had been built. This created a lack of places for profitable investment. Most countries sought out places to invest their capital for profit.

As Americans saw Europe expanding, they felt it necessary for America to do the same. With most of the west on its way to being settled, many felt America needed new territories to settle

A Feeling of Superiority Supporters of Social Darwinism Felt that nations compete with each other politically, economically, and militarily and only the strong survive. Anglo-Saxonism: feeling that English speaking cultures were superior to others. Manifest Destiny: idea that it was the destiny of America to expand throughout the Pacific. Expand American control, system of government and culture.

Assignment Using the timeline on page 542 and 543, divide this single timeline into 3. One dealing with Hawai’i, one dealing with the Philippines, and one dealing with Cuba. Give a brief (one or two sentences) description of each item on the timelines. Not all items on pages 542-543 will be used.