1. Bellringer (2/7/17) **Turn 10.1 Guided Reading into the bottom tray**
Explain the 3 factors that fueled the emergence of U.S. imperialism:
Economic
Political/Military
Racism
What are two examples of the U.S. practicing the policy of imperialism?

2. Today’s Class (2/7/17) Outcome Agenda
Be able to explain economic, military, and ideological motives for U.S. imperialism.
Agenda
Bellringer
Guided Notes: Causes for U.S. Imperialism
Primary Source Readings
Advocates for U.S. Imperialism

3. Introduction to American Imperialism

4. Definition & Connotation
Imperialism = Extending a nation’s power by gaining new territories.
From Merriam-Webster:
“Because imperialism always involves the use of power, often in the form of military force, it is widely considered morally objectionable”

5. William Seward: Father of American Imperialism?
William Seward served as Secretary of State under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.
When America was isolationist, Seward was looking outward to build an American empire.
Seward would play instrumental role in acquiring Alaska and Midway Islands as U.S. territories in 1867.
Beginnings of U.S. imperialism?

6. Alaska
Seward agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million (2 cents per acre).
Many saw Alaska as nothing but frozen tundra.
Purchase called “Seward’s folly” and “Seward’s icebox” by critics.
Proved to be good purchase: major deposits of gold discovered in 1880s and 1890s, and petroleum deposits used today.

7. Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii was desired as a fueling station for ships traveling to Asia.
American sugar planters would help overthrow the monarchy of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893.
Businessman Sanford Dole headed the new government and Hawaii became a U.S. territory 1898.

8. American Imperialism Kicks It Up a Notch
Beginning in 1890s, America shifted to a more dominant imperialist foreign policy.
Several motivating factors behind this:
Economic
Military
Ideological
Nationalism
Religious
Cultural

9. Economic Interests
America’s rapid industrialization during the Gilded Age produced a surplus of manufactured goods.
America’s industries produced more goods than what the population was able to consume.
American businesses looked for new markets.
American businesses looked for new sources of raw materials for their factories.
Iron ore, timber, gold, silver, etc.
Might there be a new Alaska ripe for the taking?

10. Military Interests
Industrialized nations created strong navies to defend their shores and protect their trading interests.
These navies required bases where ships could dock, refuel, and make repairs.
Foreign territories provided strategic locations for these bases.
Alfred T. Mahan – U.S. Navy Captain - The Influence of Sea Power Upon History
Emphasized importance of naval power in maintaining national strength
Argued that a nation, must have ports and colonies throughout the world where their ships could anchor safely.
These colonies and foreign ports would also benefit the home nation with trade.

11. Ideological Interests
Sense of American nationalism – strong sense of love for one’s country—often results in conflict.
Many Americans felt that having more territories boosted a nation’s power and prestige.

12. Ideological Interests
Cultural Superiority
Because African, Asian, and Latin American countries were less industrialized, they appeared “backward” to more developed nations.
Social Darwinists considered it a social responsibility to “civilize” native populations.
Spread Christianity and democracy abroad – moral duties to the indigenous.

13. Scramble for Territory
Closing of the Frontier
In 1890, the U.S. Census Bureau declared that the frontier line no longer existed.
Had achieved our “Manifest Destiny” – settled from Atlantic to the Pacific.
America began to look beyond its own borders to acquire new territories.

14. Scramble for Territory
European Imperialism
During the late 1800s, European nations began to spread their empires across the globe.
In , fourteen nations (including the U.S.) met at the Berlin Conference to discuss how to carve up Africa.
Several European nations had “spheres of influence” in China as well.
Americans felt pressured by Europe’s imperialist actions in Africa and Asia to begin their own quest for empire.

16. Imperialism Primary Source Readings
Document #1 – Excerpt from minister Josiah Strong’s Our Country, 1885
Document #2 – Excerpt from Captain Alfred T. Mahan’s The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1890
Document #3 – Speech by Albert J. Beveridge in Senate Campaign, 1898