1. Imperialism in the Americas
World History
Unit 4

2. Essential Question
How did the United States’ rise to power influence the Western Hemisphere in the 20th century?

3. Latin American Issues
Although mostly independent, Latin American nations struggled with their newfound self governance
Social inequality was rampant; corruption was the norm; dictators were common; stability was hard to come by
The United States began to wield an increasingly large amount of power

4. Mexico as a Case Study
Following independence in 1821, Mexico devolved into social and political conflict
The Catholic Church as well as wealthy landowners and military leaders fought for control of the new country
The majority of the Mexican population lived in some state of poverty

5. Mexico as a Case Study
Conflicting Mexican groups challenged each other for power and control over the course of the 19th century
Progress was largely made under brutal dictatorial control—but it was progress for the nation
Poverty was still rampant throughout Mexico and large numbers of Mexicans struggled to make ends meet

6. Mexico and the United States
The Texas region of Mexico had become a territory both the USA and Mexico desired
A series of conflicts broke out in and over the territory ultimately ending in the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo and US possession of Texas and other former Mexican territories
Mexico would maintain a secondary position to the United States from this point on

7. America as an Imperial Power
The United States was the only industrial power in the Western Hemisphere
Successive American presidents begin to send military and merchant expeditions around the world in search of economic opportunities
America begins to intervene in foreign conflicts (Spanish-American War) in pursuit of colonies

8. America as an Imperial Power
As a growing power, the US government expands upon the Monroe Doctrine with the Roosevelt Corollary
America uses their increasing military strength to enforce their desires throughout the Latin world
US “helps” Latin American nations in exchange for benefits (i.e. The Panama Canal)

9. Canada Gains Independence
Canada had been under British Imperial rule since the 1790s
There were two provinces: French speaking Quebec and English speaking Ontario—there were rivalries between the two territories
In 1837 the two groups began a rebellion calling for more rights and equality from their British rulers across the Atlantic

10. Canada Gains Independence
In 1840, Canada is granted parliamentary representation as well as control of domestic affairs
By 1900 Canada status as “dominion” and had become a confederated (united) nation
By 1914 Canada had become flourishing completely independent country; although still dwarfed by their neighbors to the south