Why did America join the Imperialistic Club at the end of the 19 th Century? The Imperialists Great Britain France BelgiumUSA?? Germany Japan

Growth of Imperialism By 1890, the United States was eager to join the competition for new territory. Supporters of expansion denied that the United States sought to annex foreign lands. Yet annexation did take place.

1. Economic Reasons  American farmers had produced a surplus of goods  Needed new markets to sell stuff  Needed raw materials for factories ……………..Solution= foreign trade

2.Military Reasons  Wanted to build up American navy  Defend peacetime shipping lanes  Needed to establish naval bases in Pacific and Caribbean  U.S. became 3 rd largest naval power

Alfred T Mahan *Urged the building of a stronger navy with bases in Hawaii, Cuba and the Philippines *Also urged building a canal across Central America for faster shipping *”The Influence of Sea Power on History”

3.Nationalistic Some Americans believed the philosophy of Social Darwinism (survival of fittest) some nations were superior to others Manifest Destiny- must continue expansion racial superiority to justify imperialism God was training the Anglo-Saxon race It was our moral duty to spread our culture to others

4.Humanitarian Educated, religious, political believed it was our duty to spread our civilization…. Law, medicine, religion

The Fruits of Imperialism The Fruits of Imperialism

Expanding U.S. Interests United States declared itself neutral in European wars warned other nations to stay out of the Western Hemisphere. Doctrine was interpreted to mean a more active role to protect the interests of the United States. The Monroe Doctrine Chapter 17, Section 1

Arguments for U.S. Expansion Needed new markets in other countries.Promoting Economic Growth navy with bases around the world would protect U.S. Interests.. Protecting American Security Spreading Christianity was a noble pursuit.Preserving American Spirit

Alaska- a mistake? Many American’s thought it was foolish for the US to buy ($7.2 million) Alaska from Russia- too far away and unknown “Seward’s Folly” “Seward’s Icebox” Gold was discovered in the Klondike Region Alaska turned out to be so profitable that many felt we should search for new lands across the seas