1. Era: The U.S. Becomes a World Power (1890-1920)

2. Introduction
In the years following the Civil War, the US began to pay more and more attention to what was going on in the rest of the world. It emerged as a major world power.
The US continued to expand. It got land by buying it, going to war, and by giving smaler countries help. Just like any landlord, America had problems with some of these new holdings.
The US used the Monroe Doctrin as a reason for getting involved with Latin America.
Then all too soon, America had been drawn into a great war in Europe. Following that war, when things were looking positive, the nation was suddenly in the worst shape it had been in since the Civil War.

3. Progressive Era
Women’s rights
Immigrants
Working Conditions
Unions
Health / Safety
At the same time, the U.S. was growing stronger as a military and world leader.

4. The U.S. became a world power by:
Extending its power over other territories and nations (Imperialism)
Helping to win WWI

5. Imperialism continued…
Main Idea
Beginning in 1867 and continuing through the century, global competition caused the United States to expand.
Why it Matters Now
During this time period, the US acquired Hawaii and Alaska, both of which later became states in 1959.
(1893- Queen Liliuokalani surrendered to the US soldiers and foreigners who planned to overthrow her monarchy.)

6. Reasons for Imperialism
Industrial Revolution
After the Civil War, U.S. industry grew rapidly and industrialists looked overseas for:
New sources of raw materials
More markets to sell goods
New places to invest money

7. Reasons for Imperialism
Closing of the American Frontier
By 1890 the West was populated enough to be considered “closed”
As a result, U.S. manufacturers looked overseas for new economic opportunities

8. Reasons for Imperialism
Examples of European Nations
European nations were engaged in imperialism
England—Suez Canal, India, Africa
France—African & Middle East
Russia—East Asia
Germany—Pacific & Africa
European imperialism stimulated American imperialism

9. Reason 1 for Imperialism: Thirst for new markets
American Nationalism
Expansionists urged the U.S. to take overseas colonies through imperialism
Captain Alfred Mahan’s book The Influence of Sea Power Upon History urged the U.S. to:
Expand foreign markets
Build a powerful navy
Acquire overseas bases

10. Reason 2 for Imperialism Cultural Superiority
Social Darwinism
Many American believed it was America’s duty to “elevate uncivilized people” around the world
They used Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest to justify their ideas
Social Darwinism states that uncivilized cultures can’t take care of themselves and will soon die off. Therefore, it is the duty of the civilized nations to take over and control them.

11. Reason 3 for Imperialism: Military Strength
President Teddy Roosevlet
Urged European nations to stay out of the Western Hemisphere
Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Policy
The U.S. would take on the role of regional policeman in the Western Hemisphere
Allowed U.S to extend its power over Central and South America