American Imperialism Imperialism: Stronger nations seeking to take over weaker nations for political, economic, or social reasons.

Before the 1890s American expansionism focused on growth on the North American Continent America runs out of room to expand – looks outside the continent. Trend among many developed nations. – British – French – Dutch – Germans

First Expansionist Feelings Experience with taking over populations of people – Westward expansion and Native Americans – Frederick Jackson Turner & the Turner Thesis: American democracy is formed on the frontier. Importance of foreign trade – New Markets Desire not to be left out of international race for colonies

Justifications Manifest Destiny: United States is destined to expand Racist motivations – John Fiske, 1885, predicts that white, English- speaking people would expand across the globe (“destined”) – White Man’s Burden: Rudyard Kipling – Duty of White Christians to spread religions

Alfred T. Mahan Admiral in the U.S. Navy Advocated for a larger Navy – believed that success as a nation in the new era relied on strong naval presence. Requires: strong economy at home, foreign trade, strong navy, colonies to serve as bases. Naval buildup starts, U.S. jumps from 5 th naval power to 3 rd in 2 years.

Hawaii Islands had been an important stop on the way to trading with China. Merchants began to operate on the island, gradually expanding their influence. – Presence of missionaries, outsiders erodes control of native Hawaiians Americans become involved in Hawaiian government – push for annexation. – Not happy with duty imposed on trade goods

1887 – America negotiates treaty that gives U.S. control of Pearl Harbor. Queen Liliuokalani tries to fight against outside control – Planters and businessmen stage a revolution, are able to oust the Queen – After some debate, Hawaii is annexed in 1898

Imperialist Foreign Policy Monroe Doctrine stated that European expansion in Western Hemisphere would be an act of aggression – Roosevelt Corollary: U.S. will intervene in conflicts between European and Latin American countries – Makes U.S. police of the Western Hemisphere Big Stick Diplomacy: President Theodore Roosevelt’s belief that the U.S. should “speak softly and carry a big stick” – Thoughtful discussions, early management of issues, with the threat of power for later