5 REASONS FOR IMPERIALISM What is Imperialism? What is U.S. Expansionism? Think about these questions and discuss with partner

ECONOMIC  Provide raw materials (natural resources) WHY NEEDED?  Market for surplus of manufactured goods WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

POLITICAL  Nationalism: Pride in one’s own nation-loyalty+devotion- so much so that believe own nation’s above others  Recognition as World Power “plant your flag” Increase power and prestige over others-Be # 1 imperialist country in the world  Countries are in competition and took territories to prevent rival from getting it

MILITARY  National Security: Protection. Military advantage  Fueling station for Navy  Strategically located for battle or just to fill up on supplies or for travel

CULTURAL  Social Darwinism: application of Charles Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” to human societies  Strong survive, weak or poor unfit  European colonizers Superior races while Asian and African colonized inferior  Noble duty to uplift and enlighten “uncivilized” people

RELIGIOUS  Missionaries spread Christianity  Religion encouraged imperialism because they felt needed to acquire territory in order to Christianize people.  Under Christianity all people equal in the eye’s of God  Direct conflict with Social Darwinism- WHY?  Hypocrisy: Spoke of uplifting people but motivated by profit and greed