U.S. Imperialism The influence of economics, politics, religion and social pressure on U.S. foreign policy Michael Quiñones, NBCT WWW.SOCIALSTUDIESGUY.COM

Macro Concepts Micro Concepts Imperialism- system of government that has a larger more powerful country taking over weaker smaller countries. Nationalism- extreme pride and feeling of patriotism for one’s country. Markets-places where goods and services are bought and sold. Spheres of Influence-areas of territory that a powerful country controls outside of its borders. Social Darwinism- belief that wealthy people have their status because of their hard work, intelligence, education. Poor are that way because of poor work ethic and laziness. Conflict-problem or issue that is controversial and can cause problems without compromise. Power-authority of a government to carry out the law. Resources- items such as wood, metal and oil that can be used to make finished products. Government-an organized group of people who create rules and laws to control citizens in a nation. Leadership-the method of setting examples for others to follow.

What is Imperialism? Root word is Empire. An empire is a powerful nation with powerful leadership that seeks to acquire and control weaker nations. Sometimes the more powerful nations allow the weaker nations to rule themselves [ex. Ancient Rome]. Most of the time the Empire assimilates the weaker nation into the Empire and forces it into submission [ex. Soviet Union].

American “Imperialism” President McKinley and other prominent Americans believed it was the U.S. government’s duty to save foreign countries from themselves [religiously and economically]. Reverend Josiah Strong preached that “we must Christianize them,” by spreading our values to the “backward” people of the world. Former U.S. Navy officer Alfred Mahan believed the U.S. should build and maintain a powerful navy to assert world dominance. Mahan gave many examples of world powers who used such a tactic. U.S. Imperialism was much more than saving and Christianizing backwards foreign countries. MARKETS for American goods and opportunities for cheap NATURAL RESOURCES and cheap LABOR. Admiral Alfred Mahan

The White Man’s Burden Building on what Josiah Strong preached many Americans believed it was the responsibility of white Americans to spread Christianity, democracy and American goods to foreign countries. If white America did not do it no one else was capable of doing it according to this way of thinking.

Anglo-Saxon Superiority There were many Americans who believed white people were “better” than non-whites. Because of superior standard of living and Christian beliefs many people believed Americans were justified in taking over less developed or civilized countries.

American Jingoism Emboldened by American war hawks and sensationalist newspapers America became more aggressive militarily. America entered into a policy of jingoism that stressed U.S. military power and territorial expansion abroad. The immediate result was the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guam and the Philippines from the Spanish-American War. What was the problem with this policy? The U.S. created more enemies and envious foreign competitors.

Assignment: American Imperialism Write one page letter to President William McKinley that either complements or criticizes his foreign policy related to imperialism. You must cite specific examples from the lesson to complement or criticize him for U.S. foreign policy relating to Imperialism and Jingoism. An effective way to support your ideas is to use information from the secondary sources.

Images Sources http://www.spanamwar.com/cartoon.JPG http://abagond.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/whitemansburden.jpg http://www.veteranstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Big-Business.jpg