AMERICAN IMPERIALISM

EXPANDING TRADE Imperialism- Economic and political domination of a strong nation over a weaker one Factories needed raw materials in order to produce goods because not all materials were available as natural resources High tariffs (taxes) on trade discouraged trade with other industrialized countries (Europe) American companies needed other markets to trade with Protectorate- A state (or nation) ruled by local leadership but under the “advice” of an outside country Most of America already settled Over-production, under-consumption- the U.S. produces more food and goods that it can use Needed new overseas markets to keep the economy strong and competing with European Imperial powers.

SUPERIORITY Social Darwinism- only the strongest nation would survive, so America needed to prove itself as an Imperial power to other countries Justified American influence abroad (in other countries) Anglo-Saxonism- English-speaking nations had superior character, ideas, and systems of government Linked with Manifest Destiny- American believed they were destined to expand West. Now they believed they were destined to expand overseas and spread “civilization” to other people Christian Missionary ideas- expansion for the purpose of looking out for and converting non-believers to Christianity “The Anglo-Saxon is divinely commissioned, in a peculiar sense, his brother’s keeper.” –Josiah Strong, American minister

MILITARY BASES Monroe Doctrine (1823)- Any efforts by European nations to colonize or interfere with states in North or South America would be viewed as an act of aggression, and require U.S. intervention. AKA U.S. control/dominance over the Western Hemisphere (Don’t come over here or you’ll be sorry!) U.S. risks war with Germany, Chile, and Great Britain in their attempts to take control of countries in South America and the Pacific Islands American support grows for: Larger, stronger Navy Military bases overseas

EUROPEAN COMPETITION Industrialized European nations were expanding overseas Needed raw materials Needed to expand markets Superiority Military bases Attempts to colonize and control markets in Western Hemisphere violate the Monroe Doctrine U.S. feels a need to compete with Europeans and maintain control of the Western Hemisphere in order to grow the American economy and “survive” as a world power