1. Imperialism The policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker territories. The policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker territories. Motives / Causes of Imperialism: Motives / Causes of Imperialism: –Economic Motives (raw materials & markets) –Nationalism / Jingoism (desire to strengthen one’s country; Competition with European powers) –Militarism (military bases & protect trade) –Cultural Motives / Cultural Superiority (moral duty to spread culture) –“Yellow Journalism” (sensational news reports) Read excerpt: What motive does this represent? Read excerpt: What motive does this represent?

2. Anti-Imperialist Arguments William Jennings Bryan a leading opponent William Jennings Bryan a leading opponent Moral argument Moral argument Not worth the costs (in $ and lives) Not worth the costs (in $ and lives) Consistency with our own independence struggle Consistency with our own independence struggle

3. “Yellow Journalism” Competition for readers Competition for readers Sensational, exaggerated headlines Sensational, exaggerated headlines Urging U.S. to go to war with Spain Urging U.S. to go to war with Spain Not objective or balanced on the facts Not objective or balanced on the facts

4. Group Discussion Questions For each foreign policy event, discuss the applicable facts, causes, effects, and then answer BOTH questions: 1. Was the U.S. action consistent with our principles of liberty, equality, and democracy? 2. Discuss & Vote on whether the U.S. action was justified. Explain: –TIMELINE: –Acquisition of Alaska (1867) –Trade Treaty with Hawaii (1887) –Overthrow of Hawaiian Queen and Annexation (1893-8) –Teller Amendment (1898) –Spanish-American War (1898) –War in the Phillipines (1899) –Platt Amendment (1902) –Acquisition of territory for Panama Canal (1904) –Jones-Shafroth Act (1917) 3. Groups will vote, and then present/defend their decisions to whole class.

5. Application to Recent Events Afghanistan or Iraq… Was it consistent with principles of liberty, equality, and democracy? Was it consistent with principles of liberty, equality, and democracy? Was it justified? Was it justified? Some opponents argue the war is a form of imperialism. Some supporters argue our actions were justified. Some opponents argue the war is a form of imperialism. Some supporters argue our actions were justified. On both sides of the debate, what would people argue were the causes of the war? On both sides of the debate, what would people argue were the causes of the war? What is your opinion? What is your opinion?