US Imperialism Libertyville HS

Imperialism – What is it? Imperialism is the projection of power and influence to other parts of the world –May occur by conquering territories and establishing colonies –Also may occur through commercial domination Imperialism always includes managerial control and exploitation of wealth, resources of peripheral region

US Foreign Policy – Imperialist? Was the US an imperial power before 1776? What was its FP focus? Was the US an imperial power, from ? What was its FP focus? Was the US an imperial power, from ? What was its FP focus? Was the US an imperial power, after 1865? What was its FP focus?

Traditional Imperial Powers After the 1860s, many European countries became imperialist –Britain –France –Germany –Italy –Netherlands –Russia Where did the US fit in?

US as an Imperial Power after 1865 In Favor Industrialization Closing of the Frontier European Imperialism on the rise Nationalism Ethnocentrism (racism) Mahan: The Influence of Sea Power Upon History Opposed Our colonial experience Washington’s Farewell Address Need for internal improvements Monroe Doctrine The Frontier / Westward Expansion

A Changing View US Expansionism, justified –Promoting economic growth Production soaring Search for new markets –Protection of American Security Perceived threats –Preserving the “American Spirit” Bringing “civilization” to “lesser” peoples Manifest destiny II?

US Asian Imperialism: China Opium Wars ( ) –E–Europeans gained ports, access to Chinese market –M–Missionaries –U–US gained same rights “Spheres of Influence” Exclusive domination by a country 1899: US didn’t have a sphere! –“–“Open Door policy” (1899) Free commercial access to China for all imperialists No annexation of territory

US Asian Imperialism: Japan US expedition to open Japan, 1853 –“Coaling base” –Assure good treatment of shipwrecked sailors –Trade Japan was a closed society –Shogun = supreme military leader (1600s to 1853) –Dutch were allowed one ship visit per year, for trade! –1867: Shogun overthrown

US Imperialism in the Pacific Alaska –Purchased from Russia in 1867 for $0.02 per acre ($7.2 million) –Russian fear = British conquest of Alaska –“Seward’s Folly” (Sec’y of State to Andrew Johnson) –Turned out to be a fantastic purchase Strategic importance Mineral wealth

US Imperialism in the Pacific Hawaii –1779: first European contact (British) – 1820: first US missionaries arrived –1887: US, UK businessmen force new constitution –1893: US, British businessmen overthrow government –1898: Hawaii annexed by US Samoa –Coaling base (secured 1900)