U.S. Expansionism & Imperialism A Brief Review &
Introduction
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What is Imperialism? Policy in which stronger nations extend
their economic, political, and/or military control over weaker
nations Often results in colonizing the weaker nation to maintain
its control European countries, by the late 19 th century, had
established colonies on the following continents: Africa, Asia,
South and Central America
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US Tradition of Expansionism What key events/ideas prove the
U.S. has a history of expansionism? Louisiana Territory 1803US
purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of
the country Florida 1819Spain ceded Florida to the US Monroe
Doctrine 1823Monroe Doctrine, warning European countries to stay
out of the Western hemisphere (Latin America) because it was our
sphere of influence Manifest Destiny 1840sManifest Destiny of the
US... was to expand from sea to sea Texas 1845annexed Texas which
at that time considered itself independent
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US Tradition of Expansionism Oregon Territory 1846Great Britain
ceded the Oregon Territory (WA, OR, ID and part of WY) to the US
Mexican Cession 1848the US paid Mexico $15 million (about $350
million today) for the Mexican Cession CA, NV, UT and parts of CO,
NM, AZ & WY Gadsden Purchase 1853purchased the southern parts
of AZ and NM from Mexico for $10m = Gadsden Purchase Alaska
1867purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million... Most Americans
thought it was a bad deal (boy were they wrong!!) Midway Islands
1867annexed the Midway Islands in the Pacific (two small
atolls)
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Factors Fueling US Expansion 1.Population growth in the eastern
states 2.Availability of cheap, fertile land 3.Economic opportunity
4.Belief in the right of Manifest Destiny Might any of these
reasons apply to US expansion overseas? Which ones? Why?
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Factors Fueling New U.S. Imperialism new markets new markets
1.Thirst for new markets to sell US goodsnew markets military
strengthmilitary strength respect 2.Desire for military strength to
compete with, and gain the respect of, other world powersmilitary
strength cultural superiority cultural superiority 3.Belief in our
cultural superiority (Social Darwinism) and the benefits it could
bring to less civilized peoplecultural superiority new frontier
4.Desire for a new frontier to settle in order to maintain Americas
identity and prosperity
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US Imperialism
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Economic Reason depression overproduction, under consumption
and low prices The US had suffered a depression in 1893
unemployment was high and farmers were suffering greatly from
overproduction, under consumption and low prices cheap raw
materials Overseas territories would provide the US with access to
cheap raw materials it could use to fuel its factories to recapture
its prosperity new markets higher prices, more profits and more
jobs Overseas territories would provide US businesses and farmers
access to new markets (places) to sell their surplus (extra) goods
leading to higher prices, more profits and more jobs (A STRONG
ECONOMY!)
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Military/Political Reasons respected influential establish
military presence overseas territories If the US was to become a
respected and influential world power (like Great Britain and
France) it too would need to establish a global military presence
and acquire overseas territories build up the U.S. Navy American
leaders, like TR and Alfred T. Mahan of the US Navy, urged
government officials to build up the U.S. Navy in order to complete
with other powerful nations and extend its influence globally
Overseas territories needed to support the new navy (coaling
stations, repairs, military bases) Navy needed to protect new
territories and merchant ships trading near new territories
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Cultural Reasons Social Darwinism racial superiority of
Anglo-Saxons Belief in the racial superiority of Anglo-Saxons
(white Americans of Northern & Western European descent) to
justify American Imperialism How Social Darwinism was used to
justify overseas expansion: Each race has a distinct mission and
place in Gods plan. English speaking Anglo-Saxons rule the world
and uplift inferior races Gods plan that English speaking
Anglo-Saxons rule the world and uplift inferior races (in Africa
and Asia in particular) spread Christianitycivilization The United
States had a responsibility to spread Christianity and civilization
the worlds inferior peoples/races around the world. US imperialism
would provide the perfect opportunity to fulfill this
responsibility while at the same time strengthen our economy
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Cultural Reasons new frontier Overseas territories would
provide the US with a new frontier to settle, explore and exploit -
which was essential in order too Continue to be prosperous (as they
would provide new land to settle and natural resources to use)
Maintain our democratic values of equality, bravery, ingenuity,
individualism and patriotism Remain a great independent nation
outlet for the restless Continue to have an outlet for the restless
elements of American society
