1. To Conquer or Not To Conquer
Isolationism
vs.
Imperialism
To Conquer or Not To Conquer

2. Isolationism
Belief that the United States needs to focus on issues inside her borders
George Washington started this policy in 1796
Allows US to grow and mature

3. Imperialism
Building an empire by starting colonies or conquering other nations
Britain, France building empires in Africa and Southeast Asia
Many Americans say US needs to create an empire to truly become a world power

4. Imperialism Allows a nation to acquire four things: Natural resources
Protected trade routes
New markets for goods
International Influence (power)

5. U.S. Tries Imperialism
US wanted more land to expand “Manifest Destiny”
Willam Seward buys Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million
America laughs at him, calling the purchase “Seward’s Folly”
We find fur, gold, silver, timber, and oil there -Seward has last laugh
Becomes 49th state in 1959

6. Hawaii Wanted by many countries Fertile soil, tropical climate
1/2 way between North America and Asia - could serve as a stopping point for ships

7. Hawaii (The Catch)
Hawaiians lived there, but US sugar companies moved in to raise sugar cane by 1840
US begins to take power from King
US sends marines to take over Hawaii when Queen Liliuokalani suggests that she be allowed to rule her country without US interference
Annexed by US in 1898, 50th state in 1959

8. 48 Star Flag

9. Japan - Anybody Home?
Japan had a policy of isolationism (banned leaders from traveling outside of country)
US races Europe to Japan
Commodore Perry takes four warships into Tokyo Harbor to “convince” them to trade

10. Japan Perry returns with 7 warships in 1854
Japan is rapidly modernized and a world power in only 50 years

11. China China weak after a war with Japan in 1895
Europeans race there and create Spheres of Influence - ports where only one country can trade
China not in control of own country

12. China
US has no ports, so it declares an Open Door Policy - all countries welcome to trade in China (China had no say)
Boxer Rebellion - Chinese nationalists who kill 200 foreigners. Chinese govt. does nothing
US sent in Marines to stop the Boxers, and China has to pay $333 million, $25 million to US