The Roots of Imperialism Until this point, America had played a small part in world affairs. In the late 1880’s, the U.S. began to join the ranks of the world’s major powers and acquired more influence and territories outside its continental borders.

Imperialism Mid 1880’s- early 1900’s – Powerful nations engaged in mad dash to extend their influence across most of the world. – European nations added colonies in Africa and Asia and some of South America. Imperialism- the policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker territories. – Reasons vary Money Natural Resources Cheaper labor Gain power on the world stage

Economics Raw materials and natural resources – New colonies provided tea, rubber, iron, petroleum, etc. – Extractive Economies- to remove raw materials from the colony and ship them to the home country. Possession of colonies gave nations an edge in the competition for global resources. – The U.S. had fewer concerns about shortages of raw materials due to our own supplies.

Military Strength To expand and protect their interests and investments around the world, imperialist nations built up their military strength. – Alfred T. Mahan- military historian suggested the U.S. build a modern fleet to compete with European navies and also establish foreign bases where American ships could refuel and gather fresh supplies. – The U.S. built steel-plated, steam powered battleships. – By 1900, the U.S had the 3 rd largest navy in the world.

Social Darwinism The U.S. once again used this idea to explain their world wide superiority. – They were one of the ‘fittest’ nations in the world. – Some Americans feared that they U.S. needed to colonize and if they did not, then other nations would start acquiring the rest of the world and America would not survive.

The White Man’s Burden The Hierarchy of Race

First Steps U.S. Commodore, Matthew Perry sailed a fleet of American warships into present-day Tokyo Bay, Japan. – Prior to this, Japan had denied the rest of the world access to its ports. – Most Japanese had never seen steamships before, most called them giant dragons puffing smoke. – Perry buttered up the Japanese emperor and he agreed to open up trade with America. The U.S. continued on and gained control of the Midway Islands in the Pacific Ocean. They also increased trade with the Hawaiian Islands which allowed them to open up a U.S. naval base called Pearl Harbor.

Commodore Matthew Perry Opens Up Japan: 1853 The Japanese View of Commodore Perry

Alaska Secretary of State, William Seward bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. – Russia questioned why the U.S. would want that much land 1,000 miles north of its border when it’s only snow and ice. – This purchase almost doubled the country’s size. – The “icebox” turned out to be rich in timber and oil.

Latin America U.S. business men saw this as the natural place for expansion of trade and investments Pan-American Conference – Sec. of State-James Blaine – Preached to 17 Latin American countries the importance of economic cooperation. – Also constructed the Pan- American highway system which linked the U.S. to Central and South America.

Hawaii Economically linked to the U.S. for almost 100 years. – American missionaries had long established churches and schools. – Others had sugar cane plantations. Queen Liliuokalani resented the increasing power of the white planters, who owned much of the Hawaiian land. – She abolished the constitution that had given political power to the white minority. – American planters responded overthrew the queen. – The U.S. Marines helped the rebels seize power. The new government, led by Sanford B. Dole asked President Benjamin Harrison to annex Hawaii to the U.S. – Senate did not approve until Grover Cleveland became President.

U. S. Missionaries in Hawaii Imiola Church – first built in the late 1820s

U. S. View of Hawaiians Hawaii becomes a U. S. Protectorate in 1849 by virtue of economic treaties.

Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani Hawaii for the Hawaiians!