1. The Roots of Imperialism Until this point, America had played a small part in world affairs. In the late 1880’s, the U.S. began to join the ranks of the world’s major powers and acquired more influence and territories outside its continental borders.

2. Imperialism Mid 1880’s- early 1900’s – Powerful nations engaged in mad dash to extend their influence across most of the world. – European nations added colonies in Africa and Asia and some of South America. Imperialism- the policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker territories. – Reasons vary Money Natural Resources Cheaper labor Gain power on the world stage

3. Economics Raw materials and natural resources – New colonies provided tea, rubber, iron, petroleum, etc. – Extractive Economies- to remove raw materials from the colony and ship them to the home country. Possession of colonies gave nations an edge in the competition for global resources. – The U.S. had fewer concerns about shortages of raw materials due to our own supplies.

4. Military Strength To expand and protect their interests and investments around the world, imperialist nations built up their military strength. – Alfred T. Mahan- military historian suggested the U.S. build a modern fleet to compete with European navies and also establish foreign bases where American ships could refuel and gather fresh supplies. – The U.S. built steel-plated, steam powered battleships. – By 1900, the U.S had the 3 rd largest navy in the world.

5. Social Darwinism The U.S. once again used this idea to explain their world wide superiority. – They were one of the ‘fittest’ nations in the world. – Some Americans feared that they U.S. needed to colonize and if they did not, then other nations would start acquiring the rest of the world and America would not survive.

6. The White Man’s Burden The Hierarchy of Race

8. U. S. Missionaries in Hawaii Imiola Church – first built in the late 1820s

9. U. S. View of Hawaiians Hawaii becomes a U. S. Protectorate in 1849 by virtue of economic treaties.

10. First Steps U.S. Commodore, Matthew Perry sailed a fleet of American warships into present-day Tokyo Bay, Japan. – Prior to this, Japan had denied the rest of the world access to its ports. – Japanese emperor agreed to open up trade with America. The U.S. continued on and gained control of the Midway Islands in the Pacific Ocean. They also increased trade with the Hawaiian Islands which allowed them to open up a U.S. naval base called Pearl Harbor.

11. Hawaii Economically linked to the U.S. for almost 100 years. – American missionaries had long established churches and schools. – Others had sugar cane plantations. Queen Liliuokalani resented the increasing power of the white planters, who owned much of the Hawaiian land. – She abolished the constitution that had given political power to the white minority. – American planters responded overthrew the queen. – The U.S. Marines helped the rebels seize power. The new government, led by Sanford B. Dole asked President Grover Cleveland to annex Hawaii to the U.S. – Senate did not approve until William McKinley became President.

12. Alaska Secretary of State, William Seward bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. – Russia questioned why the U.S. would want that much land 1,000 miles north of its border when it’s only snow and ice. – This purchase almost doubled the country’s size. – The “icebox” turned out to be rich in timber and oil.

13. Cuba Spain – Very protective of Cuba – Second war for independence in 1895 U.S. interests split – Some favored Spain to protect investments in Cuba – Others supported independence – Gen. Valeriano Weyler herded hundreds of thousands of Cubans into concentration camps – American journalists lured readers with exaggerated stories Stirred American sympathy for Cuba

14. Yellow Journalism Sensational, exaggerated style of writing to lure and enrage readers – William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitizer – Sympathy for “Cuba Libre” grew Pres. McKinley sent the U.S.S. Maine to Cuba to bring back Americans Feb. 15, 1898: ship blew up in Havana harbor – American newspapers dramatically claimed the Spanish did it No one really knows how it happened April 1898: U.S. declares war

15. Spanish-American War U.S. invades Philippines first – Wanted independence, Spanish surrendered there in four months – Led by Commodore George Dewey U.S. forms naval blockade of Cuba – 17,000 U.S. troops arrive, including the Rough Riders, led by a young Teddy Roosevelt – After destroying the Spanish fleet, the U.S. invades Puerto Rico Treaty of Paris: Spain frees Cuba, PR, Guam, and sells the Philippines – U.S. annexes all but Cuba – Filipinos try to rebel for independence

16. Panama Canal Roosevelt saw need for a canal to cut through Central America – Canal = shortcut Panama had been controlled by Colombia – U.S. and France helped Panama declare independence in 1903 Panama Canal’s construction is considered an engineering feat – Challenges: disease, soft soil, swamps, mountains, 51-mile path – Over 40,000 workers – Opened for merchant ships in Aug. 1914

17. The Rest of Latin America American support for Panama rebellion damaged U.S.-Latin relations U.S. did not want Europe to get involved in L. America – 1823 Monroe Doctrine: Europe stay out of L. America affairs – “Speak softly and carry a big stick” U.S. provides financial assistance to Latin American governments – dollar diplomacy

18. Mexico 1913: Pres. Wilson: recognize only democratic governments – “Missionary diplomacy” – Mexico’s Gen. Victoriano Huerta was leader Mexico arrested small group of American sailors, quickly released – Wilson used this as excuse to intervene – Huerta overthrown, Venustiano Carranza in charge U.S. liked Carranza, Mexican rebels did not

19. Pershing Expedition Pancho Villa and other rebels attacked Americans near the border Gen. John Pershing led troops for Villa’s capture – Mexico demanded U.S. withdraw, Wilson refused 1917: middle of World War I, U.S. needed peace at the border – Both sides backed down