1. Becoming a World Power:

2. Growth of Imperialism What is Imperialism? How is this done?
A policy in which a stronger nation works to create an empire
Emerged in the mid-1800s through the early 1900s
How is this done?
By dominating weaker nations/territories economically, politically, culturally, or militarily

3. Why Imperialism Grew
In the late 1800s, there was a large increase in imperialistic activity as a result of the following factors:
Economic
Nationalist
Military
Humanitarian
The U.S. joined in the competition for territories once it became a world power

4. Economic Factors
An overall desire for raw materials & natural resources:
World:
The growth of industry in Europe created an increased need for natural resources (rubber & petroleum)
Manufacturing nations needed new markets in which to sell their goods
U.S.:
By the late 1800s, Americans had more food & goods than they could consume
New markets could solve economic problems
Gain political influence by investing in other countries

5. Nationalistic Factors
Imperialists around the world used ideas of racial, national, and culture superiority to justify imperialism
Social Darwinism (survival of the fittest) was used to justify this: certain nations & races were superior to others and were destined to rule over inferior peoples & cultures
Competition among European nations came out of a strong devotion to one’s nation (nationalism)
Americans feared the U.S. was losing its vitality, energy, & spirit
A quest for a lager empire could restore the country
Monroe Doctrine: From 1823, it discouraged European intervention in the Western Hemisphere

6. Military Factors
To expand and protect their interests around the world, imperialist nations built up their military strength.
World:
Advances in military technology in Europe produced armies & navies superior to those in Africa & Asia
The navies required bases around the world for receiving fuel & supplies

7. Military Factors U.S.: Alfred T. Mahan:
Military historian & naval officer
Played a key role in transforming the U.S into a naval power
In The Influence of Sea Power Upon History he said that great nations have powerful navies
Called on U.S. to build a modern fleet
Create a strong U.S. Navy—build modern steam-powered, steel-hulled ships to protect overseas trade
Economic future depended on naval protection
Led to an increased budget—one of most powerful navies in the world
By 1900, U.S. had 3rd largest navy

8. Humanitarian Factors
Imperialism spread as a result of the goals of humanitarians:
World:
Colonial officials, doctors, & missionaries believed it was their duty to spread the “blessings” of Western civilization
Worked to spread its law, medicine, & Christian religion
U.S.:
Used Social Darwinism to justify expansion:
Believe expansionism was the nation’s destiny, would spread democracy & Christianity, and introduce modern civilization to other peoples around the world

9. Eyes on the Prize
Americans who pursued expansion focused on 3 main areas of the world:
Latin America
Islands in the Pacific
China

11. An Open Door to China
European nations and the U.S. were interested in creating spheres of influence: areas of economic & political control (by an outside power) in China
Britain, France, Germany, & Russia had carved China into spheres of influence to avoid competing for trade
Within its zone, each power had privileged access to Chinese ports and markets
This system threatened to limit U.S. trade in China

12. Leave the Door Open… John Hay: U.S. Secretary of State
Proposed the Open Door doctrine to keep the doors of trade open for the Americans, who were too late to profit from the carving up of China.
U.S. urged the Open Door Policy: favored open trade relations between China & other nations
Would ensure that the U.S. would have equal access to China’s millions of consumers
Many European countries rejected this idea

13. Boxer Rebellion
Presence of foreigners caused resentment and some in China joined secret societies
Societies celebrated traditional customs & criticized Western ways
One society, the Righteous and Harmonious Fists had the nickname “boxers” for their martial arts training
Boxers killed foreign missionaries in May 1900 and violence against foreigners broke out
Prompted the governments of Europe and America to send troops to stop rebellion U.S. helps put down rebellion
After putting down rebellion, European powers forced China’s government to pay for damages
Fueled Chinese nationalists

14. “Speak softly & carry a big stick; you will go far.”
--Teddy Roosevelt

15. Big Stick Diplomacy
Roosevelt’s policy of creating & using, when necessary, a strong military to achieve America’s goals
Roosevelt Corollary:
1904 extension of the Monroe Doctrine—asserted the right of the U.S. to intervene in Latin American nations
US becomes “international police force” – (TR)
Steps in when countries seem unstable

17. The Great White Fleet
Teddy Roosevelt's "Big Stick" included a worldwide tour of the American fleet to project American Power.
Sent in December 1907
½ the U.S. Navy was sent on a cruise around the world
Demonstrated the nation’s naval power

18. The Great White Fleet

19. Taft & Dollar Diplomacy “Substituting dollars for bullets”
Became President in 1908—not as aggressive as Roosevelt
Worked to maintain the open door to Asia & preserve stability in Latin America
Dollar Diplomacy:
Encouraged American investment abroad to maintain order
Did not always have profitable results

20. Moral Diplomacy
Stated that the U.S. would not use force to assert influence in the world, but would instead promote human rights
Stated by President Woodrow Wilson
Attempted to change the direction of foreign policy instead of seeking additional territories
Still forced to use military force in various areas