Chapter 5 Becoming a World Power Us Imperialism 1872-1917

The Roots of Imperialism The Policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker nations or territories Causes of U.S. Imperialism 1) Economic Benefits 2) Desire for Military Strength 3) Belief in National Superiority

The Age of Imperialism

“The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”

African Colonialism Berlin Conference – 1885 European Imperial powers divided up the continent of Africa

Causes of U.S. Imperialism 1)Desire for raw materials & natural resources Imperial nations sought colonies to provide resources (such as tea, rubber, iron, petroleum) Extractive Economies – imperial countries extracted, or removed, raw materials from the colony 2)Thirst for new markets The United States had plenty of resources that led to a surplus of goods– They needed to sell goods beyond the U.S. The U.S. needed to establish new markets around the world Causes of U.S. Imperialism 1) ECONOMIC BENEFITS

American Foreign Trade 1870-1914 New markets were important for expanding trade opportunities and building up our economy

Causes of U.S. Imperialism Military Strength was necessary to protect empire NAVAL strength was key Alfred T. Mahan – The Influence of Sea Power Upon History He encouraged the U.S. government to build modern warships By 1900, the U.S. had 3rd largest Navy in the world U.S. needed territories to build naval bases and refueling stations around the world to maintain strength Causes of U.S. Imperialism 2) DESIRE FOR MILITARY STRENGTH

U.S. Military Power Expands Naval Power was supported by bases and refueling stations around the world U.S. Military Power Expands

Naval Power The Great White Fleet – new steel, steam powered warships went on worldwide tour to show off strength

Causes of U.S. Imperialism Imperialists around the world used racial, national, and cultural superiority to justify imperialism Popular Ideas Social Darwinism – certain races & peoples were superior to others, and destined to rule over them; If the U.S. did not expand, then European empires would rule the world Manifest Destiny – expand and gain converts to Christianity “White Man’s Burden” – civilize the weaker, uncivilized people around the world (take Christianity & Democracy to the “Dark Skinned” peoples of the world) Causes of U.S. Imperialism 3) Belief in National Superiority

“The White Man’s Burden” Belief of racial superiority was used to justify many imperialist policies in the United States “The White Man’s Burden”

Matthew Perry: Sailed a fleet of American warships into present-day Tokyo Bay, Japan. Showered Japanese emperor’s with lavish gifts Negotiated treaty that opened trade with Japan. U.S. Imperialism America’s First Steps Toward World Power

1) In 1867, Secretary of State William Seward bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. Almost doubled U.S. size; Rich in timber, oil, and other natural resources 2) The U.S. Acquires Hawaii In 1887, American planters convinced King Kalakaua to amend Hawaii’s constitution so that voting rights were limited to only wealthy landowners (White Planters). John Stevens, U.S. minister to Hawaii, ordered U.S. Marines to help seize power. President Cleveland refused to sign the treaty of annexation, but President McKinley did. U.S. Imperialism Major Territorial Expansion

The Importance of HAWAII American Economic interests in Hawaii was the reason the U.S. annexed the Islands The Importance of HAWAII

United States Imperialism extended from South America to Asia (Pacific Islands) U.S. Territorial Growth