Analyze the start of American Imperialism
Reasons for US Expansion After expanding to the west coast, many leaders felt that the US should join imperialist powers of Europe and establish colonies overseas
Imperialism Policy by which stronger nations extend their economic, political, and military control over a weaker nation
Seward & Alaska William Seward, Secretary of State under Lincoln and Johnson 1867 – arranged the purchase of Alaska, a resource-rich territory, from Russia for $7.2 million
Annexation of Hawaii Prior to mid 1800s – Hawaii was a sovereign nation with a monarchy 1891 - American trade laws turned to favor sugar grown exclusively in the US American planters in Hawaii were upset by this and staged a revolt to overthrow the Queen
They set up their own government and request annexation to the US 1898 (during Spanish American War) – US annexed (to take with permission) territory of Hawaii Valuable for its strategic military location 1887 naval base Pearl Harbor was established
Cue Questions 1. Why would the US want control of Alaska? 2. What are the 3 main factors of Imperialism? 3. What does the word imperialism mean? Activity: Illustrate what imperialism means.