Imperialism: An Emerging World Power 1890-1917

I. Causes of Imperialism Imperialism = the policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker nations

Imperialists Seek Economic Benefits Europe Extractive Economies = imperial country takes raw materials from colony U.S. Already had goods and wanted to sell products overseas

Imperialists Stress Military Strength Alfred T. Mahan – worked to build up US Navy By 1900: U.S. had 3rd largest navy in the world

Imperialists Believe in National Superiority Social Darwinism extends to other nations and races Manifest Destiny - spread Western, WASP, Christian values

II. The United States Acquires Hawaii American Planters Increase Their Power Overthrew Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 Gov’t led by Sanford B. Dole convinced U.S. to annex Hawaii for economic reasons **Sugar**

The United States Annexes Hawaii Congress under President William McKinley declared Hawaii an official U.S. territory in 1898

Effects of the Spanish- American War

A. Americans Debate Imperialism Pro - Pres. McKinley said U.S. had no choice but to “civilize” the Philippines Anti - WJ Bryan, Mark Twain, Anti-Imperialist League thought it went against our gov’t principles Booker T. Washington: should fix race relations at home first

B. America Assumes a New Role in the World The war marks a turning point in the history of American foreign policy