1. The Pros and Cons of Imperialism At the Turn of the 20th Century
US History I
Unit 2

2. Reasons for the US to Expand Overseas:
The US needed to continue its frontier experience overseas
Continental frontier was not longer adequate for the population.
US needed “elbow room”

3. Reasons for (continued)
US belief in cultural superiority
Race, values, religion, and economics
Goal was to civilize the world
Helping “lesser peoples”
**Ethnocentrism**

4. Reasons for (continued)
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

5. Reasons for (continued)
Social Darwinism was a prominent belief
People believed that “survival of the fittest” applied to people AND nations

6. Anti-Imperialism Arguments
Goes against beliefs of Christianity to force people to “follow suit” (most Americans were Christians at this time)
Imperialism is undemocratic
US does not have the military capabilities to protect an overseas empire

7. Anti-Imperialism (continued)
Stay out of European affairs
Use the two oceans to protect us
Stay isolated
Imperialism= tyranny
US was a colony of Great Britain once

8. Anti-Imperialism (continued)
There is no need to expand overseas
US is a vast nation
Plenty of natural resources
Plenty of markets for goods

9. Discussion Questions
How do the justifications for imperialism have their roots in the Progressive Movement?
…in the Industrial Revolution?