Reaching for an Empire Unit 2 – US History

What is imperialism? Imperialism – A powerful country’s control of another weaker country’s economic, political, and social life

What is expansionism? Expansionism – process of increasing the territory of the U.S.

Why did the US want to Imperialize? 1.Monroe Doctrine 2.Manifest Destiny 3.Military Power 4.American/Racial Superiority 5.Economic Opportunity

What was the Monroe Doctrine?  Europe can no longer establish colonies in the Western Hemisphere  Europe can’t interfere in America’s affairs  Examples:

What was Manifest Destiny? Idea that US was a superior country and had right to invade, conquer, and occupy the North American Continent and beyond Example:

What were the Military Reasons? Military and Naval Bases to defend US interests around the world Example:

How was America Superior?  Spread Ideals of Democracy  Convert Natives to Christianity  Examples

What were the Economic Reasons?  Raw Materials for Industrial Revolution  Markets to sell products  Trade routes  Examples:

How did we acquire the new territory? Compromise Purchase War

Oregon and Washington Polk felt US had a “God Given” right to the territory Wanted British Out Challenged British for Territory Compromise led to division of Territory at 49 th Parallel

Texas/CA/NM US felt it had a “God Given Right to the Territory Wanted Spain out War Mexico broke diplomatic ties with US over annexation of Texas US tried to buy CA, NM for 30M but Mexico refused to sell War broke out over border disputes War lasted 2 years US got ½ of Mexico for 15M

Alaska Purchased from Russia for – 7.2 M –Known as Seward’s Folly – no benefit to US –Later Economic Benefits Discovered –Gold was later discovered in Yukon valley, Copper and Oil, seal and whales

Hawaii  US wants for raw materials, and military bases US gains rights from King Kalakaua for Naval Base at Pearl Harbor US Sugar planters staged a rebellion against Queen Liluokalani for political control US Marines were sent to “protect” US interest US moved toward annexation

Guam, Puerto Rico, Philippines US wants: Military Bases, Natural Resources, Spread American/Christian Values, Spain out of Western Hemisphere US goes to War with Spain

Which of the following is not a reason for US Imperialism? 1.Monroe Doctrine 2.Manifest Destiny 3.Raw Material 4.Naval Bases 5.All of the Above