1. An Introduction to American Imperialism
Unit 4: Lecture #1
An Introduction to American Imperialism
CA Standard: 11.4
Hi I Represent America!
My Goal is to be a WORLD Power Player!

2. American wants to be a world power player because
We want to make $$$
&
We want to be the BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!

3. Lecture Review Questions
What factors influenced Americans to play a more active role in the world?
Why did journalist criticize Seward for his purchase of Alaska?
Why was the Annexation of Hawaii an act of imperialism?

4. Under Imperialism what do the stronger nations attempt to do?
Dominate Weaker Countries:
What is an Empire?
Why do countries want them?
Dominate Weaker Countries: politically, economically, culturally, and militarily.
What is an Empire?
One country in control of other smaller countries.
Why do countries want them?
More natural resources
Better natural Borders for protection
Bigger workforces

5. What are the 3 Main Elements of Imperialism?
Industrialization-
Nationalism-
Humanitarianism-
What 3 things do Americans hope to accomplish on a humanitarian level while practicing imperialism?
Industrialization-
We need new markets for trade to solve overproduction problems
Nationalism-
The USA must expand in order to protect its citizens.
Humanitarianism-
What 3 things do Americans hope to accomplish on a humanitarian level while practicing imperialism?
Law, Medicine, and Christianity.

6. Which Countries were major imperial powers in the 19th century?
England
Old Enemy.
Biggest threat.
Has so much territory people began to say” the sun never sets on the English Empire”
Spain
First player we will encounter. Their colonies are the ones closest to us. Used to own Mexico, until they got thrown out like British. But they do still have Puerto Rico, Cuba, & Philippines.
France
Pretty powerful. Love/Hate relationship
Helped us win American Revolution and throw out the British.
But doesn’t want us as competition

7. Industrialized Nations BUT, we both NEED to build up our Militaries.
Which countries are trying to build empires, and what do they have in common?
We are both:
Industrialized Nations
BUT, we both NEED to build up our Militaries.
We both Start by Dominating Weaker countries to be considered in the same class as Britain, Spain, and France
We are new to building an empire, but we are going to try!
Germany is new to it to, but they are going to try.

8. How is the USA going to expand?
49th State: Alaska
50th State: Hawaii

9. Why Alaska?
Secretary of State William H. Seward bought Alaska in 1867 from Russia.
People said it was a dumb idea…I mean its Worthless right? “Just a bunch of walrus covered ice burgs!”

10. Why Alaska? (cont’d)
Seward’s strategy was to surround the British on two sides of Canada…
- which could drive British out of region.
-Leaving more land to be conquered close to home!
BUT it didn’t work, the British never left.
HOWER…ALASKA was later found rich with natural resources!
Like OIL !!!!

11. When did Hawaii become a state and why did the USA want it?
Since the 1790s American Merchant ships stopped in Hawaii on their way to East India
Americans established Sugar Plantations & imported exotic fruits like pineapples.
1887 Hawaiian Constitution changes restricting voting rights to wealthy landowners. (white American planters)

12. Why was the Annexation of Hawaii an act of imperialism?
You will NOT take MY ISAND!
CONQUER!
1891 King Kalakaua died.
His sister Queen Liliuokalani was AGAINST US control of Hawaii
Abolished the constitution that empowered American plantation owners..

13. How did the USA benefit from the annexation of Hawaii 1898?
1893 Sanford B. Dole w/ US Marines REMOVED Queen Liliuokalani from power and DECLARED Hawaii its own republic.
In spirit of manifest destiny and the need for naval bases (pearl harbor) US annexed Hawaii as 50th State