1. Imperialism & America
Chapter 18 Section 1

2. Age of Imperialism Late 1800s to early 1900s
Definition: Policy of extending economic, political, or military control over weaker territories
European nations divide up Africa, China
US decides to expand

4. Reasons for US Expansion
Desire for Military Strength
Admiral Mahan urges US to expand navy
Desire for New Markets
US farms & factories produce excess goods – we need to sell overseas
We need raw materials
Belief in Cultural Superiority
Social Darwinism, belief in superiority of Anglo-Saxons, US has duty to “civilize” others

5. Alaska William Seward arranges purchase from Russia in 1867
$7.2 million
Many oppose: “Seward’s Folly,” “Seward’s Icebox”

6. Hawaii Way station to China, site of missionary work
1830s: Americans begin creating sugar plantations
By mid 1800s: Americans own 75% of wealth
1887: US pressures Hawaii to set up a naval base at Pearl Harbor

7. 1890: McKinley Tariff puts a tax on Hawaiian sugar
Planters organize a revolution & overthrow the queen
American Sanford Dole sets up a government & asks to part of US
1898: Hawaii becomes an American Territory