1. Imperialism
Stronger nations attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nations

2. Setting the Scene
Late 1800’s following industrial growth and rise of cities
Beginning of mass culture and assimilation
Westward expansion
New national identity

3. Factors
Economic: Growth of industry led to increased need for resources and new markets
Nationalistic: Competition for large empires meant rise in nationalism. Europeans take actions to protect their interests
Military: Advances in military technology made European armies and navies superior
Humanitarian: spreading western ideas of law, medicine and Christianity (cultural superiority)

4. Europe’s Lead Improved transportation and communication
Competition for new territories
Annexed lands: joined new territories to existing ones
Leaders: Great Britain, Russia, Spain, France and Germany
Lands targeted: Asia, Africa, Caribbean Islands

5. What is this cartoon portraying?
U.S. Expansion
What is this cartoon portraying?

6. U.S. Expansionists William Seward: Secretary of State
Purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 (7.2 million) in hopes that presence on both sides of Canada would force British out
Despite being known as “Seward’s Folly,” Alaska was rich in resources such as oil, timber and minerals
Commodore Matthew C. Perry:
1853, led American fleet into Tokyo Bay which opened trade with Japan
By 1860, U.S. and several European nations signed treaty to open trade with China

7. Did Seward have the right idea?

8. Imperialistic Individuals
Josiah Strong: 1890’s emerged as one of the country’s strongest voices in support of American Imperialism. He represented the religious and sociological supporters of the movement
Frederic Remington: Sent to Cuba to draw sketches of the reporter’s stories. His pictures were used by yellow journalists to develop exaggerated accounts of the war between Cuba and Spain (attempt to gain American attention and support)

9. Do you agree with Yellow Journalism?

10. Fighting for the Cause
Charles Darwin: introduced idea of Social Darwinism which was used to justify the take over of other territories because expansionism was the nation’s destiny and noble pursuit because it introduced Christianity and modern civilization to other nations
Alfred T. Mahan: wrote Influence of Sea Power Upon History, which argued that the nations economic future relied on gaining new markets abroad and that they needed a strong navy to protect these markets from foreign rivals

11. Arguments for Expansion
Promoting economic growth
Protecting American security
Preserving American Spirit

12. Conclusion
Americans lean towards expansion because they did not see themselves as rulers of the oppressed people and wanted new markets abroad and favorable trade relations

13. Analysis: What arguments can be made against American expansion?