US Imperialism

The Pressure to Expand

Imperialism occurs when strong nations create empires by dominating weak nations economically, politically, or militarily.

Why do nations embrace imperialism? 1.Economics ($$$) - Sell what you don’t consume and make money. 2.Nationalism - promoting your nation, competition with others. 3.Militarism - for national defense, refueling and supply bases. 4.Humanitarianism - Helping poorer people, missionary efforts.

How could we justify expansion? 1. Missionary efforts. 2. Social Darwinism. (strong societies take over weak ones) 3. Profit. 4. Taking civilization to the uneducated “backward” peoples

Improved communication and transportation helped them extend their territories to far lands Europe Leads the Way British Empire

In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry sailed an American fleet into Tokyo Bay to forcibly open Japanese markets.

In 1866, the French put a king on the “throne” of Mexico. We sent an army to Mexico to help them realize the error of their ways. Maximillian I was gone within months. Maximillian I

America purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, increasing the size of the US considerably. I live in Alaska, too!

Now that we were trying to increase our influence and land, we needed refueling and repair stations for ships.

In 1867, we annexed the uninhabited Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean to help ships get across the ocean.

European countries had already carved up Africa by 1898 and the USA was feeling left out.

US businesses dominated the economies of Guatemala, Costa Rico, and Honduras. Most of their exports made money for American owners. These were called Banana Republics.

When America was producing goods in other countries and selling goods, Alfred Thayer Mahan’s idea of building a new modern navy to protect trade seemed reasonable.

This Navy was used to get us out of trouble and let us get our way. This is called Gunboat Diplomacy.

By 1900, the US had one of the most powerful navies in the world, with new battleships, torpedo boats, cruisers, and gunboats.

Why did we consider the Pacific Islands, Caribbean Islands, and South America “ours”? 1. Monroe Doctrine. 2. Profit. 3. They have Africa. 4. Our Navy rocks!

Teaching the lesson...

US wanted to join in gaining new territories, but denied the desire to annex (join a new territory to an existing country) foreign lands

Economic Growth many Americans felt expansion was necessary to support the economy we needed markets for our products some businesses invested in foreign economies

Banana Republics Central American nations dominated by American business companies, such as the United Fruit Company

Naval Growth The US needed a powerful Navy in order to protect markets from foreign rivals

Congress authorized the building of cruisers, battleships, gunboats, torpedo boats, including the USS Maine.

By 1900, the US had one of the most powerful navies in the world

Social Darwinism pushed for territorial expansion of the US. believed that Anglo- Saxon and Teutonic peoples were superior to the societies they conquered

Most Americans decided they wanted new markets abroad and favorable trade relations with foreign countries They were unaware of the political and military implications of such a desire