1. Chapter 5 Becoming a World Power
Us Imperialism

2. The Roots of Imperialism
The Policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker nations or territories
Causes of U.S. Imperialism
1) Economic Benefits
2) Desire for Military Strength
3) Belief in National Superiority

3. The Age of Imperialism

4. “The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”

5. African Colonialism Berlin Conference – 1885
European Imperial powers divided up the continent of Africa

6. Causes of U.S. Imperialism
1)Desire for raw materials & natural resources
Imperial nations sought colonies to provide resources (such as tea, rubber, iron, petroleum)
Extractive Economies – imperial countries extracted, or removed, raw materials from the colony
2)Thirst for new markets
The United States had plenty of resources that led to a surplus of goods– They needed to sell goods beyond the U.S.
The U.S. needed to establish new markets around the world
Causes of U.S. Imperialism
1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS

7. American Foreign Trade 1870-1914
New markets were important for expanding trade opportunities and building up our economy

8. Causes of U.S. Imperialism
Military Strength was necessary to protect empire
NAVAL strength was key
Alfred T. Mahan – The Influence of Sea Power Upon History
He encouraged the U.S. government to build modern warships
By 1900, the U.S. had 3rd largest Navy in the world
U.S. needed territories to build naval bases and refueling stations around the world to maintain strength
Causes of U.S. Imperialism
2) DESIRE FOR MILITARY STRENGTH

9. U.S. Military Power Expands
Naval Power was supported by bases and refueling stations around the world
U.S. Military Power Expands

10. Naval Power
The Great White Fleet – new steel, steam powered warships went on worldwide tour to show off strength

11. Causes of U.S. Imperialism
Imperialists around the world used racial, national, and cultural superiority to justify imperialism
Popular Ideas
Social Darwinism – certain races & peoples were superior to others, and destined to rule over them; If the U.S. did not expand, then European empires would rule the world
Manifest Destiny – expand and gain converts to Christianity
“White Man’s Burden” – civilize the weaker, uncivilized people around the world (take Christianity & Democracy to the “Dark Skinned” peoples of the world)
Causes of U.S. Imperialism
3) Belief in National Superiority

12. “The White Man’s Burden”
Belief of racial superiority was used to justify many imperialist policies in the United States
“The White Man’s Burden”

13. Matthew Perry: Sailed a fleet of American warships into present-day Tokyo Bay, Japan.
Showered Japanese emperor’s with lavish gifts
Negotiated treaty that opened trade with Japan.
U.S. Imperialism
America’s First Steps Toward World Power

14. 1) In 1867, Secretary of State William Seward bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.
Almost doubled U.S. size; Rich in timber, oil, and other natural resources
2) The U.S. Acquires Hawaii
In 1887, American planters convinced King Kalakaua to amend Hawaii’s constitution so that voting rights were limited to only wealthy landowners (White Planters).
John Stevens, U.S. minister to Hawaii, ordered U.S. Marines to help seize power.
President Cleveland refused to sign the treaty of annexation, but President McKinley did.
U.S. Imperialism
Major Territorial Expansion

15. The Importance of HAWAII
American Economic interests in Hawaii was the reason the U.S. annexed the Islands
The Importance of HAWAII

16. United States Imperialism extended from South America to Asia (Pacific Islands)
U.S. Territorial Growth