Imperialism and America Beginning in 1867 and continuing through the century, global competition caused the United States to expand.

Imperialism The policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories.

American Expansionism What were the major factors that contributed to the growth of American imperialism?

American Expansionism Global competition

Global Competition In the late 19th century Africa was a prime target of European expansionism. Imperialists also competed for territory in Asia. Having fulfilled the quest for manifest destiny, Americans were warming to the idea of overseas expansion.

Desire for military Strength American Expansionism Desire for military Strength

Desire for Military Strength Seeing that other nations were establishing a global military presence, the US aimed to build up its own military strength. Between 1883 and 1890 the US built nine steel-hulled cruisers. The United States became the world’s third largest naval power.

American Expansionism Thirst for New markets

Thirst for New Markets Overproduction Need for raw materials Foreign trade is viewed as a solution to Americas overproduction and related issues of unemployment and economic depression.

Belief in cultural superiority American Expansionism Belief in cultural superiority

Belief in Cultural Superiority Social Darwinism Belief in racial superiority of Anglo-Saxons US responsibility to spread Christianity and “civilization” to the world’s “inferior peoples.”

The United States Acquires Land

United States Acquisitions Alaska

Alaska Purchased in 1867 from Russia; state in 1959 Criticized as “Seward’s Icebox” but later realized they were wrong… for about 2 cents an acre, the US acquired land rich in timber, minerals, and oil.

American Acquisitions Hawaii

Hawaii Islands held economic importance: stopping point for American merchants heading to China and East India Island held militaristic importance: 1887 naval base at Pearl Harbor used as a refueling station for American ships

Hawaii Sugar Plantations By mid 19th century American owned sugar plantation accounted for ¾ of the islands’ wealth. 1875: import Hawaiian sugar duty free 1890: McKinley Tariff imposes a duty = competition in the American markets Call for annexation to avoid duty Hawaiian monarchy is overthrown and in 1898 Hawaii becomes a territory of the US; state in 1959

The Spanish American War In 1898, the United States went to war to help Cuba win its independence from Spain.

The Spanish American War The Spanish-American War is often referred to as the first "media war." During the 1890s, journalism that sensationalized—and sometimes even manufactured—dramatic events was a powerful force that helped propel the United States into war with Spain. Led by newspaper owners William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, journalism of the 1890s used melodrama, romance, and hyperbole to sell millions of newspapers--a style that became known as yellow journalism.

Yellow Journalism Political cartoons and drawings were popular features in 1890s newspapers and the yellow journals of the Spanish-American War era. Before the Spanish-American War began, drawings depicting Spain as evil, Cuba as innocent, and President McKinley as a coward, helped rally sympathy for the Cuban people and fuel a pro-war feeling in America. Illustrations simplified the message that yellow journalists like William Randolph Hearst wanted his readers to buy--Cuba was helpless and the U.S. must intervene.

Activity Create a yellow journalism political cartoon or poster to encourage the American public to support the Spanish American War. Create a sensational headline to support your cartoon/poster.