American Influence Grows Topic 4-5 American Influence Grows

Objectives: Identify the key factors that caused Americans to want to take a greater role overseas. Explain how the U.S. took its first steps toward the position of a world power. Evaluate the acquisition of Hawaii by the United States.

Imperialism: policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker territories

Causes of Imperialism Economic benefit Raw materials and natural resources (European countries and Japanese reason) Extractive economies Trade- America had a surplus of industrial/agricultural goods to sell Wanted guaranteed markets Military strength Alfred T. Mahan- The Influence of Sea Power Upon History Naval power- steel plated, steam ships National Superiority Social Darwinism, “Manifest Destiny” Fredrick Jackson Turner- 1890 Census Frontier has closed Overseas expansion provided a “safety valve”

America on the World Stage Analyze Maps What can you conclude from the map about the differences between the goals of European imperialism and U.S. expansionism?

U.S. 1st Steps to Becoming World Power Pacific Commodore Matthew Perry, treaty opened trade with Japan (1853) Possession of the Midway Islands (1867) Increased trade with Hawaii and naval base at Pearl Harbor (1887) Alaska 1867 Sec. of State bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million Latin America Pan-American Conference (trade)

Hawaii Economically linked since 1790’s stopping place for merchant ships Missionaries established schools and churches to Christianize Hawaiians Wealthy American sugar and fruit planters established plantations Americans amended Hawaiian constitution, only wealthy land owners could vote (white!)

The Acquisition of Hawaii In Hawaii, American owners of sugar plantations, such as this one, exerted broad and increasing influence over local affairs.

American Planters Increase Power New US law in 1890’s placed high tariff on sugar Queen Liliuokalani- Hawaiian nationalist Abolished the constitution that gave power to the white minority 1893-planters aided by U.S. marines overthrew the queen New govt set up by Sanford B. Dole (wealthy planter) Wanted US to annex Hawaii

U.S. Annexes Hawaii Pres. Harrison signed treaty, but was out of office before Senate approved Pres. Cleveland (anti-Imperialist) ordered investigation Majority of Hawaiian people didn’t approve annexation delayed annexation Americans wanted Hawaii, 1898-Pres. McKinley annexed Hawaii