Chapter 10 Section 1: Imperialism and America

Map of Global Empires, c …a better map that won’t fit on a slide.

The Pros and Cons of Imperialism At the Turn of the 20 th Century

Reasons for the US to Expand Overseas: The US needed to continue its frontier experience overseas –Continental frontier was no longer adequate for the population. –US needed “elbow room” –Continuation of Manifest Destiny

Reasons for (continued) US belief in cultural superiority –Race, values, religion, and economics –Goal was to civilize the world –Helping “lesser peoples” **Ethnocentrism**

Reasons for (continued) Imperialism was the product of strains in the society due to industrialization –Increase in productivity = need for new markets –US needs more natural resources to fuel industrial machine

Reasons for (continued) Social Darwinism –People believed that “survival of the fittest” applied to people AND nations

Reasons for (continued) Military Strength ( NAVY ) –US needs naval ports to give US a presence in Southeast Asia E.G. Philippines, Midway, Pearl Harbor, Guam –Caribbean E.G. Guantanamo Bay, Puerto Rico – protectorate

Anti-Imperialism Arguments Goes against beliefs of Christianity “golden rule” Imperialism is undemocratic –What does the Declaration of Independence say? Constitution? US does not have the military capabilities to protect an overseas empire –e.g. Napoleon, Roman Empire

Anti-Imperialism (continued) Stay out of European affairs –Use the two oceans to protect us –Stay isolated Imperialism = tyranny –US was a colony of Great Britain once

Anti-Imperialism (continued) There is no need to expand overseas –US is a vast nation –Plenty of natural resources –Plenty of markets for goods We can trade with countries without owning them – see G.B. statistic Is it right to enslave?

Map of Global Empires, c …a better map that won’t fit on a slide.

What is imperialism? A policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, and/or military control over weaker territories. U.S. joined the game in the late 19 th century Global competition! Targets: land in Africa, China

What the U.S. Wanted Military strength –Alfred T. Mahan –What did he do? New markets –Imperialism = cure to American overproduction & unemployment Cultural superiority –Survival of the fittest + racial superiority of Anglo-Saxons -Spread Christianity & “civilization” to “inferior peoples”

Seward & His “Folly” 1867: William Seward arranged for U.S. to by Alaskan territory from Russia for $7.2 million People thought he was silly and making a mistake U.S. gained land rich in minerals, oil, and timber for $0.02 per acre.

Hawaii After taking Midway Islands in 1867, Hawaii came into question. Had been economically important to U.S. for years before. American-owned sugar plantations account for about 75% of Hawaiian wealth 1875: U.S. started importing sugar tax-free 1890: McKinley Tariff eliminated tax-free status, which caused problems. Hawaiian sugar growers now faced competition in American market. American planters asked for annex so they wouldn’t have to pay a tax on sugar.

More Hawaii Hawaiian king Kalakaua forced to amend constitution He died, sister Liliuokalani took over: “Hawaii for Hawaiians” Eventually overthrown, new government headed by Sanford B. Dole Pres. Cleveland asked queen to be restored; Dole refused; Cleveland recognized “Republic of Hawaii”, but refused annexation unless favored by majority of Hawaiians August 1898: became American territory