1. The United States: Becoming a World Power
Chapter 22 p

2. What is America’s Relationship with the Rest of the World?
Isolationism: Having little to do with the affairs of other countries.
1.Reasons for Isolation: to avoid wars and spend time & money only on the U.S.

3. Expansionism: Expanding your nation’s boundaries
Reasons for Expansionism:
1. more living space
2. to become more powerful
3. get more natural resources
4. Manifest Destiny – belief you have a God-given duty to spread democracy & religion

4. Opening Trade with Japan
What did America want? To trade with Japan
Matthew Perry – sent to Japan to work out trade deal…he also took 8 warships with him!
What happened? Japan agreed to trade with U.S.
Why is it important? America now has greater involvement in Asia

5. The Purchasing of Alaska
Alaska belonged to Russia.
William Seward – U.S. Secretary of State
Seward agreed to buy it from Russia for $7.2 million (or 2¢ per acre) – really CHEAP!
Reaction of many Americans – thought this deal was CRAZY!!
Alaska’s importance – many natural resources

6. Expansionism leads to Imperialism
, Rise of Imperialism
Stronger countries taking over weaker countries