1. American History Chapter 10: Becoming a World Power
I. The Pressure to Expand

2. Bell Ringer What is an Empire? Roman Empire – British Empire
Has the United States ever been imperialistic?
What state did the US “acquire” in the 1890s?
Read Setting the Scene page 352

3. Objectives
Find out about the factors that led to the growth of imperialism around the world.
Learn about the ways in which the US began to expand its interests abroad in the 1800s.
See the arguments made in favor of US expansion in the 1890s.
Main Idea: In the late 1800s, as European nations took over vast areas in Africa and Asia, American leaders looked to extend American influence abroad.

4. A) Growth of Imperialism
imperialism: Policy by a stronger nation to attempt to create an empire by dominating weaker nations economically, politically, culturally, or militarily.
four factors led to the growth of imperialism: economic, nationalistic, military, and humanitarian
nationalism: devotion to one nation – better then everybody else
“sun never sets on the British Empire”
annex: join a new territory to an existing country

5. B) Expanding US Interests
At first US isolationists – Monroe Doctrine
Imperialistic tendencies – Mexican War (Manifest Destiny), troops to Mexico (French), Alaska (Seward's Folly), Commodore Perry (Japan), Midway Islands, Hawaii.

6. C) Arguments for US Expansion
Promoting Economic Growth – produced too much – needed markets abroad
Banana Republics: Term used to describe a Central American nation dominated by US business interests
Protecting American Security – Admiral Mahan argued that we need a strong navy to protect our trade – US navy rotting – by 1900 one of the strongest in the world
Preserving Americans Spirit – West closed – pioneer spirit, where do we go? Also, better than everybody else – spread our message
What problems come from expansion? War!

7. Review What factors led to the growth of imperialism around the world?
In what ways did the US begin to expand its interest abroad in the late 1800s?
What arguments were made in favor of US expansion in the 1890s?