Imperialism & World War I American History II - Unit 3

3.1 – American Imperialism & Hawaii

Imperialism Foreign policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, and/or military control over weaker territories European countries had been doing this for centuries (ex: GB’s American colonies) 1900 – African prime target… only 2 countries still remained independent of foreign rule At the turn of the 20th century, some Americans wanted to join the imperialist powers of Europe and establish their own colonies. Desire for military strength Thirst for new markets Belief in cultural superiority

Motivations for Imperialism Desire for Military Strength Thirst for New Markets Belief in Cultural Superiority CAUSE Other nations were building larger militaries to control expanded empires Technology advances enabled increased goods production Social Darwinism, ethnocentrism – judging another culture by one’s own cultural standards EFFECT US needs to be competitive Admiral Alfred Mahan (US Navy) pushed gov’t officials expand navy  World’s 3rd largest navel power by 1900 US needs more raw natural resources and new markets for goods 1867 – William Seward arranged for the purchase of Alaska from Russia (7.2 m), 1959 – state  timber, minerals, and oil Belief that Anglo-Saxons (white Germanic) are superior to other races. US has a duty to spread Christianity and “civilization” to “inferior” peoples  “White Man’s Burden” “Seward’s Folly”

Hawaiian Annexation Hawaiian importance to US Trading pit stop between US and Asia American owned sugar plantations sold to US for low prices Pearl Harbor – US naval base, refueling station, and largest Hawaiian port

Hawaiian Annexation Mid 1800s - US sugar plantations accounted for ¾ of the island’s wealth 1890 – McKinley Tariff placed taxes on previously duty-free HI sugar  US sugar plantation owners in HI called for annexation to avoid tariffs Annex – to incorporate territory into an existing country or state

Hawaiian Annexation 1891 – Queen Liliuokalani gained power in HI Brother ruled previously, gave into wealthy American businessmen, restricted voting rights to only wealthy land owners “Queen Lil” – strict “Hawaiians for Hawaiians” agenda  forcibly removed from the throne by US marines organized by pro-business ambassador John L. Stevens POTUS Cleveland – ordered Queen Lil be restored to the throne, recognized Republic of HI, and refused to annex HI unless majority voted POTUS McKinley – 1898, Congress declared HI as a US territory without HI vote (1959 – HI = 50th state)