1. Imperialism
Oh yeah, we went there…

2. Imperialism – expanding a nation’s power and wealth by acquiring foreign colonies

3. Industrial Revolution
Need for markets, raw materials and coaling stations
Profits available for investments

4. Extension of Manifest Destiny (idea that it was our destiny to expand from Atlantic to Pacific)
Frontier closed by 1890
Saw imperialism as a logical extension
Motivated manufacturers and investors to look beyond our borders for economic opportunities

5. Example of European Nations
1880s “new imperialism” particularly of Germany, Japan, Britain, France and Belgium

6. Example of European Nations
Stimulated American interest in empire building
Wanted to be a major power and not fall behind

7. Foreign Trade
Prior to 1876 the U.S. had a notable unfavorable balance of trade
Since 1876 had a favorable balance of trade – increase in the export of manufactured goods over agricultural goods

8. Foreign Trade
Dominant factor in compelling every President to seek expansion of our foreign markets

9. American Nationalism
Duty to spread the benefits of American civilization to less fortunate people around the globe

10. American Nationalism
American expansionists urged the U.S. to assume it’s rightful place as a great power by embarking on a policy of imperialism

11. American Nationalism
Number of writers fueled expansionist impulse – viewed imperialism as the way for Anglo-Saxons to conquer the world to make mankind free

12. Rudyard Kipling
“The White Man’s Burden” – duty of Europeans to spread their culture and style of government

13. Josiah Strong
Our Country – Congregational minister and racist – preached future of Anglo-Saxon race especially the American part of it would dominate the world – one of the first to urge Americans to think of their future international role and to develop potential as an imperial nation

14. Alfred T. Mahan
The Influence of Sea Power Upon History – urged expansion of merchant marines, construction of a navy to protect it and acquisition of overseas bases that would enable the fleet to operate in distant areas

15. Alfred T. Mahan
Influence strong in shaping naval policy in Washington and molding opinion and inspiring ambition among such rising statesmen as Henry C. Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt

16. Early Acquisitions
Alaska – purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million
Gratitude to Russia for her support of the Union during the civil War
Desire to reduce foreign possessions in North America

17. Early Acquisitions
Samoan Islands – starting in 1872, the harbor of Pago Pago served American merchant ships as a supply harbor and coaling station

18. Early Acquisitions Midway Island – 1867 as a coaling station
Hawaii – in 1893 had a queen named Liliuokalani, in 1898 annexed