1. Notes on American Expansion
Isolation : having little to do with foreign nations

2. Unlocking Japan
In the past, Japan was closed to the west (Feudal society, Shoguns)
Pres. Millard Fillmore sends Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan in the 1850’s to open trade.
1854: TREATY OF KANAGAWA: American ships now allowed to trade with Japan

3. Perry Arrives in Japan

4. Alaska
In debt, Russian Czar willing to sell Alaska to the U.S for $7.2 million (2 cents an acre!)
U.S. Secretary of State, William Seward jumps at the chance increasing the land area of the U.S by 1/5!
Seward’s Folly: many Americans thought Seward’s purchase was foolish. In 1896 gold is discovered, 1968, oil is discovered - NOT SO FOOLISH!!!

5. Portrait of Secretary of State William H
Portrait of Secretary of State William H. Seward, officer of the United States Government
Seward, Alaska, 1915

6. Age of Imperialism
Imperialism: policy of powerful countries to control economic and political affairs of weaker countries or regions
Europe:
1.need for raw materials
2. Need for new trade markets
3. “white man’s burden” duty to spread culture and ideology to “backward” nations
Competition: U.S. had a surplus of raw materials and products: wanted to dominate trading

7. Reasons for American Expansion
Duty to “spread democracy and christianity”
The “frontier west was gone (manifest destiny was complete), no new land to settle
Increased foreign trade required a larger, stronger navy, with ports worldwide for fueling and protection
By the 1890’s the U.S had a large and powerful navy, The Great White Fleet (steam powered, white steel hulled ships)
Annexed Hawaii

8. Great White Fleet

9. Turned to Latin America
U.S wanted to improve relations, remove trade barriers
1910- Pan-American Union: a group of western hemisphere nations that agreed to work together to solve problems

10. Pan American Expo