1. America Builds an Empire
American Imperialism
America Builds an Empire

2. American Imperialism
Imperialism- When a more powerful country exerts influence or force on weaker, poorer countries.

3. American Imperialism
Alaska was purchased by the United States from Russia in 1867 for 7.2 million
This equates to only $0.02 cents per acre!

4. American Imperialism
William Seward – United States secretary of state from who negotiated the purchase of Alaska

5. American Imperialism
Seward’s Ice Box or Seward’s Folly – name that was mockingly given to the purchase of Alaska. Many people felt that it was a waste of money, that Alaska was nothing but tundra

6. American Imperialism
Why were they wrong? – Alaska is rich in natural resources Timber - gold - oil

7. American Imperialism Hawaii – annexed in 1898
Why was Hawaii important?
Economically – link between the U.S. and the Pacific
Militarily – Great natural harbor for the navy

8. American Imperialism Queen Liliʻuokalani was thrown from power by the
How did the U.S. acquire Hawaii?
Queen Liliʻuokalani was
thrown from power by the
Committee of Safety, an all white group of Hawaiians. The U.S. sends a company of marines and the queen resigned. Hawaii was annexed by William McKinley in 1898

9. American Imperialism
Cuban Revolution – Cuba was struggling for independence from Spain. Public opinion was split
Businessmen wanted American intervention to look out for their best interests
The people wanted to remain at peace

10. American Imperialism
Yellow Journalism – Pulitzer and Hearst published sensationalized stories that heightened tensions between the U.S. and Spain
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11. American Imperialism
Sinking of the Maine
When a riot broke out in Havana, the U.S. sends the U.S.S. Maine to protect American interests and citizens

12. Sinking of the Maine On Feb 15th, 1898, the U. S. S
Sinking of the Maine On Feb 15th, 1898, the U.S.S. Maine exploded in Havana harbor, killing 260 sailors. Newspapers would blame the Spanish

13. American Imperialism
The United States Blockaded Cuba on April 21st, Spain Declared War April 23rd.

14. American Imperialism
Rough Riders – name for the First United States Volunteer Cavalry. Formed with the help of Theodore Roosevelt to fight the Spanish in Cuba The hero of San Juan hill was Theodore Roosevelt The entire war only lasted 3+ months

15. American Imperialism
Treaty of Paris (1898) –United States wins gaining multiple territories:
Cuba
Phillipines
Puerto Rico
Guam

16. American Imperialism
Monroe Doctrine – No European influence in Western Hemisphere

17. American Imperialism
Big Stick Diplomacy- The idea of negotiating peacefully but also pressuring nations with a powerful military “Speak softly and carry a big stick”

18. American Imperialism
Great White Fleet – 16 U.S. Battleships completed a circumnavigation of the globe. The ships were painted white. This was a show of force to the world