1. LEQ: Why was the U.S. pushed toward a policy of expansionism in the late 19th century?
What economic, militaristic, political, ideological, and exploratory factors pushed the U.S. to a policy of expansion?

2. What is Manifest Destiny?
Recal our definition of imperialism: stronger nations attempt to create empires by domination weaker ones. How do Manifest Destiny and imperialism relate?
What might be some reasons for building an empire?

3. US on the Verge of an Empire
Can you dig it?

4. Why does the US want to build an empire?
European powers like England, Germany, and France were colonizing Africa, the Middle East, and Asia
American businesses did not want access to raw materials to be taken away by European countries

5. Why does the US want to build an empire?
Second Industrial Revolution – US businesses needed new areas to sell goods and new areas for raw materials (Economic motive)
Concept of Social Darwinism – US believed its people were superior to other races (Ideological)

6. Why does the US want to build an empire?
“White Man’s Burden” – US Christians felt they needed to save non-Christians in new territories.
Military bases – New technology (steam powered boats) required “coaling stations” to stock up on supplies for Navy ships. (Militaristic)
The White Man’s Burden By: Rudyard Kipling Take up the White Man’s burden – Send forth the best ye breed – Go, bind your sons to exile To serve your captives’ need; To walk, in heavy harness On fluttered fold and wild – You new-caught sullen peoples, half devil and half child

7. Early Examples of US Expansion
US purchases Alaska from Russia for 7.2 million dollars (~2 cents per acre)
Widely criticized purchase, until gold, copper, and oil are discovered
Exploratory motive
US annexes Hawaii – US overthrows Queen Liliuokalani (Queen Lil) because US wants it for a naval port
Queen Lil did not want to comply with US demands.

8. Early Examples of US Expansion
US became the first country to open up trade relations with Japan.
Utilizes US Navy presence to scare Japan to opening up trade with US
Japan, afraid of war, opens exclusive trade relations with the US.
Political Motive

9. Open Door Policy
The United States created an Open Door Policy in China, which granted multiple international powers equal access to the Chinese market. (Political and Economic Motive)
China disagreed with the policy, but foreign militaries suppressed the Chinese army, and forced them into agreement.