Imperialism & America Chapter 18 Section 1

Age of Imperialism Late 1800s to early 1900s Definition: Policy of extending economic, political, or military control over weaker territories European nations divide up Africa, China US decides to expand

Reasons for US Expansion Desire for Military Strength Admiral Mahan urges US to expand navy Desire for New Markets US farms & factories produce excess goods – we need to sell overseas We need raw materials Belief in Cultural Superiority Social Darwinism, belief in superiority of Anglo-Saxons, US has duty to “civilize” others

Alaska William Seward arranges purchase from Russia in 1867 $7.2 million Many oppose: “Seward’s Folly,” “Seward’s Icebox”

Hawaii Way station to China, site of missionary work 1830s: Americans begin creating sugar plantations By mid 1800s: Americans own 75% of wealth 1887: US pressures Hawaii to set up a naval base at Pearl Harbor

1890: McKinley Tariff puts a tax on Hawaiian sugar Planters organize a revolution & overthrow the queen American Sanford Dole sets up a government & asks to part of US 1898: Hawaii becomes an American Territory