1. Reasons for American Imperialism

2. The Roots of American Imperialism
Imperialism  stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military power over weaker nations
Economic Roots
Political & Military Roots
Racist Roots
Industrial overproduction in the U.S. led to the need for raw materials from overseas and new markets abroad
*** Mercantilism**
- No more Frontier- America expanded all it could in the US ( Jackson Thesis)
---Social Darwinism-survival of the fittest” Small, “inferior” states will be overpowered by “superior” states
--Global military expansion of European powers led to a U.S. desire to do the same
Belief in Anglo-Saxons destined to rule due to superior character, ideas, and systems of government; U.S. had a responsibility to expand and spread Christianity and civilization( Manifest Destiny)

3. Imperialism Beliefs Josiah Strong John Fiske 1842 – 1901
Writer / Historian
Argued that physical evolution of man had ended due to social developments
As a result, the society which is superior will be the dominant force in social evolution
1847 – 1916
Protestant minister
Americans should support imperialism because it spreads Christianity
The Anglo-Saxon race have a responsibility to “civilize and Christianize” the rest of the world
Identified 7 “perils” for American society: Catholicism, Mormonism, Socialism, intemperance, wealth, urbanization, & immigration

4. Capt. Alfred T. Mahan
What did Admiral Mahan urge the United States to do to protect its interests?
‘Wrote The Influence of Sea Power Upon History”
1. Argued that powerful nations have powerful navies
Powerful navies require naval bases worldwide
His ideas won widespread political support in both Congress and the White House

5. The Great White Fleet
Fleet of 16 US battleships sent out on a world tour to demonstrate American naval might between 1907 and 1909 on orders of President Theodore Roosevelt
Greatly enhanced American prestige

6. US Expansion

7. Purchase of Alaska “Seward’s Folly”
Purchased from Russia by Sec. of State William Seward for $7.2 million in 1867
US wanted Russian competition out of North America
Turned out, Alaska was loaded with gold & oil!

8. Timeline-U.S. Imperialism in Hawaii
1819
First Americans arrived in 1819 (Christian missionaries). Then, Thousands of Americans soon flooded the islands to create sugar plantations, coming to dominate the islands’ economy and present a threat to the native monarchy
1875
Treaty allows Hawaiian sugar to be sold in the U.S., duty (tax) free
1887
U.S. business leaders force a constitutional change (Bayonet Constitution) allowing only wealthy landowners to vote; force Hawaii to allow naval base at Pearl Harbor
1890
McKinley Tariff eliminates the duty-free status of Hawaiian sugar
1891
Liliuokalani becomes Queen of Hawaii and attempted to throw out the Bayonet Constitution and extend suffrage to native Hawaiians and Asians. Americans Angry began to plot to overthrow her and away they can annex Hawaii and avoid paying the McKinley Tariff
Queen Liliuokalani “Hawaii for Hawaiians!”

9. 1893
Americans staged a coup, then reported to the American consulate that American lives and property were in danger due to the coup!
US consulate called Marines ashore from the US naval base at Pearl Harbor
Hawaiians interpreted this as US support for the coup and surrendered
American sugar planters established a temporary government, believing that the US would annex Hawaii immediately.
Pres. Cleveland was furious with the way the sugar planters had manipulated the coup to look like it was US backed and blocked attempts to annex Hawaii
1897
William McKinley – who favors annexation – becomes president
1898
US finally annexed Hawaii in 1898 under Pres. McKinley

10. John Hay’s Open Door Notes
John Hay’s “Open Door Notes” paved the way for greater U.S. influence in Asia. What were three beliefs held by Americans that were reflected by the Open Door Policy?
1. The U.S. economy relied on exports to ensure growth.
2. The U.S. had the right to intervene abroad to keep foreign markets open to it.
3. U.S. survival was threatened by the closing of an area to American products, citizens, or ideas.

11. For Imperialism Against Imperialism
1. Imperialism was the product of strains in US society due to industrialization
Increase in productivity=need for new markets to expand into US needs more natural resources
2. The US needed to continue its frontier experience overseas
Continental frontier was not longer adequate for the population.
US needed “elbow room”
3. US belief in cultural superiority
Race, values, religion, and economics
Goal was to civilize the world
Helping “lesser peoples”
4. Social Darwinism was a prominent belief
People believed that “survival of the fittest” applied to people AND nations
1. Goes against beliefs of Christianity to force people to “follow suit” (most Americans were Christians at this time)
Imperialism is undemocratic
2. US does not have the military capabilities to protect an overseas empire
3. Stay out of European affairs
Use the two oceans to protect us
Stay isolated
4. Imperialism= tyranny
US was a colony of Great Britain once
5. There is no need to expand overseas
US is a vast nation
Plenty of natural resources
Plenty of markets for goods

12. Acquiring New Lands Activity
Instructions
In your assigned groups, you will:
Become an expert on Us handling of one country. Read about lands US acquired and fill in your chart.
Discuss and explain why the US acquired and what were the benefits and drawbacks from inhabitants.
Assessment: Imperialism vs. Anti-Imperialism Mind

13. Imperialism/Anti Minds Project
VS.
Imperialist
Anti-Imperialism