U.S. Expansionism & Imperialism A Brief Review & Introduction

What is Imperialism?  Policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, and/or military control over weaker nations  Often results in colonizing the weaker nation to maintain its control  European countries, by the late 19 th century, had established colonies on the following continents: Africa, Asia, South and Central America

US Tradition of Expansionism  What key events/ideas prove the U.S. has a history of expansionism? Louisiana Territory ˃ 1803—US purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the country Florida ˃ 1819—Spain ceded Florida to the US Monroe Doctrine ˃ 1823—Monroe Doctrine, warning European countries to stay out of the Western hemisphere (Latin America) because it was our “sphere of influence” Manifest Destiny ˃ 1840s—Manifest Destiny of the US... was to expand from sea to sea Texas ˃ 1845—annexed Texas which at that time considered itself independent

US Tradition of Expansionism Oregon Territory ˃ 1846—Great Britain ceded the Oregon Territory (WA, OR, ID and part of WY) to the US Mexican Cession ˃ 1848—the US paid Mexico $15 million (about $350 million today) for the Mexican Cession – CA, NV, UT and parts of CO, NM, AZ & WY Gadsden Purchase ˃ 1853—purchased the southern parts of AZ and NM from Mexico for $10m = Gadsden Purchase Alaska ˃ 1867—purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million... Most Americans thought it was a bad deal (boy were they wrong!!) Midway Islands ˃ 1867—annexed the Midway Islands in the Pacific (two small atolls)

Factors Fueling US Expansion 1.Population growth in the eastern states 2.Availability of cheap, fertile land 3.Economic opportunity 4.Belief in the right of “Manifest Destiny” Might any of these reasons apply to US expansion overseas? Which ones? Why?

Factors Fueling New U.S. Imperialism new markets new markets 1.Thirst for new markets to sell US goodsnew markets military strengthmilitary strength respect 2.Desire for military strength to compete with, and gain the respect of, other world powersmilitary strength cultural superiority cultural superiority 3.Belief in our cultural superiority (Social Darwinism) and the benefits it could bring to less civilized peoplecultural superiority new frontier 4.Desire for a new frontier to settle in order to maintain America’s identity and prosperity

US Imperialism

Economic Reason depression overproduction, under consumption and low prices  The US had suffered a depression in 1893 – unemployment was high and farmers were suffering greatly from overproduction, under consumption and low prices cheap raw materials  Overseas territories would provide the US with access to cheap raw materials it could use to fuel its factories to recapture its prosperity new markets higher prices, more profits and more jobs  Overseas territories would provide US businesses and farmers access to new markets (places) to sell their surplus (extra) goods leading to higher prices, more profits and more jobs (A STRONG ECONOMY!)

Military/Political Reasons respected influential establish military presence overseas territories  If the US was to become a respected and influential world power (like Great Britain and France) it too would need to establish a global military presence and acquire overseas territories build up the U.S. Navy  American leaders, like TR and Alfred T. Mahan of the US Navy, urged government officials to build up the U.S. Navy in order to complete with other powerful nations and extend its influence globally ˃ Overseas territories needed to support the new navy (coaling stations, repairs, military bases) ˃ Navy needed to protect new territories and merchant ships trading near new territories

Cultural Reasons  Social Darwinism racial superiority of Anglo-Saxons  Belief in the racial superiority of Anglo-Saxons (white Americans of Northern & Western European descent) – to justify American Imperialism  How Social Darwinism was used to justify overseas expansion: ˃ Each race has a distinct mission and place in God’s plan. English speaking Anglo-Saxons rule the world and uplift inferior races  God’s plan that English speaking Anglo-Saxons rule the world and uplift inferior races (in Africa and Asia in particular) spread Christianitycivilization ˃ The United States had a responsibility to spread Christianity and “civilization” the worlds “inferior peoples/races” around the world. ˃ US imperialism would provide the perfect opportunity to fulfill this responsibility while at the same time strengthen our economy

Cultural Reasons new frontier  Overseas territories would provide the US with a new frontier to settle, explore and exploit - which was essential in order too… ˃ Continue to be prosperous (as they would provide new land to settle and natural resources to use) ˃ Maintain our democratic values of equality, bravery, ingenuity, individualism and patriotism ˃ Remain a great independent nation outlet for the restless ˃ Continue to have an outlet for the restless elements of American society