1. American Imperialism USHC 5.1
Analyze the development of American expansionism including the change from isolationism to intervention and the rationales for imperialism based on Social Darwinism, expanding capitalism, and domestic tensions.

2. I. Shift in American Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy – how the US deals with other countries.
Most of US history to this point focused on domestic issues
Westward Movement
Relatively weak US military
Industrial Revolution – shift from an agricultural economy to one that produces manufactured goods.

3. Shift in American Foreign Policy
Prior to 1900
Growing economic power of US
Demands for new markets
manufactured goods
Crops
New military technologies
US’s new industrial capacity

4. US looks to foreign influence
US faces a key question…..
Isolationism – a country’s attempt to eliminate foreign influence over politics and culture
Avoid alliances
Avoid trade agreements
Imperialism – To control a foreign territory to exploit it’s natural resources by dominating it’s political, social, and economic structure – “empire” root word

5. Domestic Problems Encourage New Policy
Need for US to expand its influence over the seas
Improve navy to protect trade
Improve navy to secure ports
“Catch Up” with European countries trade dominance

6. Social Darwinism
Definition – belief that biological and evolutionary superiority exists for one group of people to dominate and exploit other groups.
“Survival of the Fittest”
Scientific racism
Used as reasoning to excuse imperialism of European countries and the United States.

7. Caribbean Island Independence
Most Latin American countries had won independence from European countries by this time.
Spain continued to control several Caribbean islands
Cuba
Puerto Rico