The Imperialist Vision

Building Support For Imperialism Immediately following the Civil War, the US was focused on… – Industrialization – Western Expansion – Southern Reconstruction The focus changed in the late 1800s – Now the US began focusing on expanding its international influence

A Desire for New Markets Imperialism In the late 1800s, european nations began investing their money in other countries – They began exerting control over these nations in order to protect the investments Some of these areas became colonies – Some became protectorates

A Desire for New Markets As the western frontier began filling up, the US became increasingly aware of European imperialism. Many believed that in order to keep up economically, the US would have to develop and invest in markets overseas.

A Feeling of Superiority Anglo-saxonsim – The belief that English speaking nations had superior customs. They are destined to control the world.

Expansion in the Pacific Americans had always expanded westward. Naturally, once they reached the pacific, they kept going (towards Japan and China) US business leaders believed that trade with these nations would benefit the economy

Expansion in the Pacific The problem was that Japan refused to trade with anyone but the Chinese or Dutch. In 1852, Commodore Matthew Perry was sent to Japan by President Franklin Pierce. – He was to for the Japanese into a trade agreement

Expansion in the Pacific In July 1853, Perry arrived in Japan with a small fleet of warships Amazed and intimidated, the Japanese quickly signed the agreement – Opened 2 ports for American trade

Annexing Hawaii American/Hawaiian relations strengthened when the US removed tariffs on hawaiian sugar. In 1893, an economic crisis caused an uprising which overthrew the Hawaiian monarachy. – Replaced it with a provisional government. It took 5 years before the US decided to annex

Trade and Diplomacy in Latin America Panamericanism – The idea that the US and Latin America (L.A.) should work together in order to support trade and promote peace

Trade and Diplomacy in Latin America US hoped this idea would be widely accepted in L.A. – Hoped to take business away from European countries – Hoped to keep European countries from meddling in American disputes

Trade and Diplomacy in Latin America Was not widely accepted in L.A. but they did create an organization that worked to promote cooperation among the nations in the Western Hemisphere

Building a Modern Navy The US had become more willing to go to war with nations that threatened its interests – As this willingness increased, so did the need for a modern navy Supporters said that without a Navy, and bases overseas, the US would eventually be shut out of foreign markets by the Europeans.

Building a Modern Navy Ships burned coal in order to power their engines Oversea bases, near coaling stations, would allow the navy to be operated from great distances from home.

Building a Modern Navy These ideas were summarized by Alfred T. Mahan – He quickly gained support By the late 1890s: – Business leaders wanted new markets overseas – Anglo-saxonism convinced the US that it had the destiny to dominate the world – European imperialism threatened American society

Building a Modern Navy By the late 1800s, the US was becoming one of the top naval powers War would erupt in 1898 between the US and Spain – This war would quickly turn the US into an imperial power