Imperialism Spanish American War World War I

Imperialism: stronger nations attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nations Why should the US imperialize? 1. Economic: need for natural resources and new markets 2. Nationalism: pride in one’s nation 3. Military Factors: need for naval bases 4. Humanitarianism: 1 st world nations have the duty to spread their advances

 Mexico: troops removed French threat to Mexican sovereignty who violated the Monroe Doctrine  Banana Republics: American businessmen exerted power in the politics of Latin American nations by dominating their economies  Alaska: bought from Russia in 1867; hoped that the American presence on 2 sides of Canada would drive British out

 Japan: Matthew Perry sailed into Tokyo and negotiated with the nation to open trade to the West.  Hawaii: (1875) signed treaty to allow Hawaiians to sell sugar duty-free to US as long as they did not lease or sell territory to any other nation. Annexed in 1889 after the death of the king and removal of the queen.

1. Moral and Political: Violation of liberty for all US had enough responsibility at home Threatened democratic foundation 2. Racial: Policies may increase immigration to the US Fear of the effects of having to absorb more people of different backgrounds 3. Economic: Too expensive Maintaining military and foreign lands required more taxation and debt