Chapter 18 section 1

Video Slide-America begins the 20th century

1. The late 1800s and early 1900s marked the peak of European imperialism= under imperialism, stronger nations attempt to create empires by controlling weaker nations.

2. Why Imperialism developed a. Economic Factors: manufacturing nations need for more natural resources and markets b. Military Factors: growing navies need new naval bases worldwide c. Nationalist Factors: nationalism drives countries to compete for new colonies d. Humanitarian/Religious Factors: Westerners believed in spreading western ideas and christianity

Video Slide: Expansionism

3. In 1796, President George Washington advised Americans to avoid active involvement in international affairs = Washington advise was generally followed over the next century.

Video Slide: Purchasing Alaska

Video Slide: Opening Japan

4. By 1890, however, the United States was eager to join the competition for new overseas territories: the American economy was expanding and many leaders felt the United States needed to find new markets for its goods.

5. Gradually, more and more Americans began to support the idea of oversea expansion = the United States navy began to build a modern navy, which would be used to protect American interest around the world.

6. By 1900, the United States had one of the most powerful navies in the world = a new period of American foreign policy had begun