1. America as a World Power Homburg American Studies

2. American Imperialism Imperialism: When one country takes over another country economically, politically, or culturally. For Europe and Japan the reason for imperialism was the desire for raw materials and natural resources For America the reason for imperialism was the abundance of goods. Industrialists urged expanding trade into new overseas markets.

3. Steps Towards a World Power 1867: took possession of Midway Islands 1887: Treaty gave U.S. right to build Pearl Harbor in Hawaii 1867: Bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. Alaska is rich in timber, oil, and other natural resources 1898: Annexed Hawaii

4. Spanish-American War American businessmen saw Cuba as a growing market for American products 1895: Cubans launched a war for independence from Spain Newspapers inflamed relations with Spain by exaggerating Spanish atrocities Battleship Maine explodes in Havana harbor. The Spanish are blamed.

5. U.S. declares war on Spain Dewey takes the Philippines Treaty of Paris is signed in 1898. Spain gives up control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam (today, Puerto Rico and Guam are unincorporated U.S. territories). Spain sold the Philippines to the U.S for $20 million (we lost Philippines after WWII).