1. America’s Pacific Empire Samoset Middle School 8 th Grade Social Studies

2. Reasons for U.S. Imperialism Economic U.S. now an industrial powerColonies provide raw materials Colonies provide new markets Political Need for strong naval basesKeep out other rival nations Spread of democracy Social Moral superiority – obligation to spread American religious beliefs & culture = > White Man’s Burden, Christian missionaries, “civilize the uncivilized”

3. Master of the Seas Called for improving and enlarging the navy. Argued sea power would protect shipping and provide access to world markets Powerful navy would need overseas colonies where ships could be supplied and refueled. By the early 1900’s the U.S. had the naval power it needed to back up an expanded role in world affairs. Alfred Thayer Mahan U.S. naval captain

4. Hawaii Chain of islands located in the Pacific Ocean Rich soil, warm climates & plenty of rain for sugarcane & pineapples American missionaries arrive in 1820 & planters arrive soon after Americans gain more influence and in 1887 force Hawaiian king to accept new constitution giving them more power

5. Hawaii for Hawaiians 1891 – Queen Liliuokalani ascends to the throne  Rejects the constitution and wants “Hawaii for Hawaiians” 1893 – American planters rebel & the marines help overthrow Liliuokalani “I yield to the superior force of the United States of America…To avoid any collision of armed forces and perhaps the loss of life, I do this under protest, and impelled by said force, yield my authority.” 1894 – Republic of Hawaii is formed with Sanford Dole (son of American businessman) as President. His brother, James, was founder of Dole pineapples. U.S. President Grover Cleveland refuses to annex Hawaii because he believes overthrow is illegal 1898 – Under U.S. President William McKinley, Hawaii is annexed.

6. Somoa (1899) Chain of islands located in the Pacific Ocean with great harbors United States, Britain & Germany all wanted control  All 3 arrived at a peaceful settlement whereby U.S. & Germany split the islands and Britain received other Pacific territories

7. Somoa (1899) How did many Americans socially justify the takeover of Somoa in 1899?

8. China & the Open Door Policy China was torn apart by internal fighting and lacked industry that made it too weak militarily to resist foreign powers who wanted to exploit its vast resources and markets spheres of influence By the late 1800’s Japan and the European powers had claimed spheres of influence in China where each country had special rights and powers Open Door Policy U.S. leaders worried the country would be squeezed out of the profitable Chinese market so in 1899, Secretary of State John Hay proposed the Open Door Policy under which each foreign nation in China could trade freely in the other nations spheres of influence the Boxers “foreign devils” This soon changed in 1899, because a secret martial arts society known as the Boxers began a violent revolt to rid China of the “foreign devils”

10. Mark Twain; Berkeley Lyceum, New York, November 23, 1900 - Mark Twain; Berkeley Lyceum, New York, November 23, 1900 China never wanted foreigners any more than foreigners wanted Chinamen, and on this question I am with the Boxers every time. The Boxer is a patriot. He loves his country better than he does the countries of other people. I wish him success. The Boxer believes in driving us out of his country. I am a Boxer too, for I believe in driving him out of our country.

11. The Boxer Rebellion Many died during the revolt and for two months hundreds of foreigners were trapped in the capital city of Beijing Foreign troops broke the siege and defeated the Boxers. After the rebellion a second Open Door proposal stressed the importance of keeping China independent and respecting its boarders