1. American Imperialism

2. What is Imperialism? Imperialism is a policy of extending control or authority over foreign entities, either through direct territorial conquest or through indirect methods of exerting control on the politics and/or economy of other countries.

3. Taken from "Instances of the Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad 1798-1945" Total of 103 instances of military involvement 1798-1895 Sampling:  1852-53 -- Argentina -- Marines were landed and maintained in Buenos Aires to protect American interests during a revolution. 1853 -- Nicaragua -- to protect American lives and interests during political disturbances. 1853-54 -- Japan -- The "Opening of Japan" and the Perry Expedition. [The State Department does not give more details, but this involved the use of warships to force Japan to open its ports to the United States] 1853-54 -- Ryukyu and Bonin Islands -- Commodore Perry on three visits before going to Japan and while waiting for a reply from Japan made a naval demonstration, landing marines twice, and secured a coaling concession from the ruler of Naha on Okinawa. He also demonstrated in the Bonin Islands. All to secure facilities for commerce. 1854 -- Nicaragua -- San Juan del Norte [Greytown was destroyed to avenge an insult to the American Minister to Nicaragua.] 1855 -- Uruguay -- U.S. and European naval forces landed to protect American interests during an attempted revolution in Montevideo. 1859 -- China -- For the protection of American interests in Shanghai. 1860 -- Angola, Portuguese West Africa -- To protect American lives and property at Kissembo when the natives became troublesome. 1893 -- Hawaii -- Ostensibly to protect American lives and property; actually to promote a provisional government under Sanford B. Dole This action was disavowed by the United States. 1894 -- Nicaragua -- To protect American interests at Bluefields following a revolution.

4. Seward, Alaska, and the French in Mexico

5. William Seward (R-NY) Leader of 50s and 60s, Secretary of State under Lincoln and Johnson One of the most accomplished Sec. States Prevented GB and France from helping Confederates Annexed Midway Island Canal rights in Nicaragua

6. French in Mexico Napoleon III sends troops to Mexico during Civil War Monroe Doctrine intervenes French leave

7. Purchase of Alaska Russia and GB both held claims to AK Russia assumed control  Economic Burden Seward convinced Congress to purchase for $7.2 million  375 million acres: 1.92 cents/acre  Louisiana Purchase  524.8 million acres: 2.8 cents/acre Called “Seward’s Folly”, “Seward’s Icebox”

8. The “New Imperialism”

9. Needs Industrialization needs new markets and sources of raw materials Drew focus away from labor disputes and farmer unrest

10. International Darwinism Survival of the fittest applied to nations  U.S. must be strong religiously, militarily, and politically Demonstrate strength by acquiring territory

11. Imperialism Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, Portugal, Holland, Belgium all over the world. (Focus on Africa)

12. Imperialism Advocated by:  Missionaries – Anglo Saxon culture and Christianity must be spread to less fortunate's  Religious leaders encouraged Americans to support government involvement overseas  Politicians  Republicans had a close alliance with business leaders who needed the markets/materials  Naval Power  Alfred T. Mahan – “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History”  Strategists persuade Congress to finance modern Navy and encourage acquisition of coaling stations 3 rd Largest Navy in the world by 1900  Popular Press  Editors of magazines and newspapers could increase circulation by printing “adventure” stories

13. Latin America Secretary of State James Blaine  Reps create an organization for cooperation on trade and other issues  Pan-American Union becomes Organization of American States in 1948 Cleveland and the Monroe Doctrine  U.S. arbitrates a dispute between Venezuela and British territory of Guiana  Ruled in favor of Britain  Beginning of U.S./British friendship