Roots of ImperialismU.S. History Chapter 9

Essential QuestionHow and why did the United States take a

more active role in world affairs during the Age of Imperialism?

ImperialismBy the late 1800s the U.S. began to abandon

isolationism and become a global power.With the Western Frontier now closed,

Americans began to acquire influence and territory outside its continental borders.

Causes of ImperialismMid 1800s – Early 1900s powerful nations

raced to extend their influence and territory across the globe.

Europeans added to colonies acquired during the Age of Exploration, claiming new lands in Africa and Asia.

Japan and U.S. saw the success of Europe and began to explore the benefits of imperialism for themselves.

Economic CausesDesire for raw materials and natural

resourcesTea, rubber, iron, petroleum

Extractive EconomiesImperial country extracted raw materials and

shipped them to the home countryU.S.

Resource rich & surplus of goodsAmerican Industrialists wanted to expand

trade into foreign markets

Military CausesImperialist Nations began to stress military

strength as a means to protect their interests around the globe.

Alfred T. MahanU.S. Navy Officer

and Military Historian

Called for strong U.S. Navy to protect overseas interests

Called for foreign bases for U.S. ships to resupply and refuel

U.S. NavyU.S. Navy began to

modernize its fleetBuilt new steel-

plated, steam powered battleships like the U.S.S. Maine

By 1900 the U.S. had the 3rd largest navy in the world

Cause: National SuperiorityImperialists justified their actions by claiming

their racial, national, and cultural superiority.Social Darwinism “survival of the fittest”

Social Darwinists believed they were destined to ruled over inferior nations/peoples.

American CausesAmericans believed they would not survive if

European nations took over the rest of the world.

“Manifest Destiny”God-given right and responsiblity

Spread Christianity and Western ValuesWestern Frontier was closed

Americans needed a new place to seek fortune and have a fresh start

U.S. Power Grows in the Pacific1853 Commodore

Matthew Perry sailed a fleet of American warships into Japan

He impressed the emperor and established trade between the U.S. and Japan

U.S. Power Grows in the Pacific1867 U.S. took

Midway IslandsTreaties in 1875 &

1887 increased U.S. trade with Hawaii and gave U.S. right to build a naval base at Pearl Harbor

Seward Purchases Alaska1867 Sec. of State,

William Seward, bought Alaska for $7.2 million from Russia

Journalists referred to purchase as “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox”,

1,000 miles north of border

Doubled country’s size, resource rich, & expanded reach across the Pacific

U.S. influence in Latin America1889, Sec. of State

James Blaine held the first Pan American ConferenceU.S. and 17 Latin

American CountriesEconomic

CooperationPan American

Highway system to connect U.S., central, and south America

HawaiiEconomic ties to

U.S. since 1790sConstitution put in

place by King Kalakaua limited voting rights to wealthy land owners (mostly whites!)

Many white sugar plantation owners in Hawaii

U.S. Acquires HawaiiHawaiian

Nationalist, Queen Liliuokalani takes thrown and does away with constitution

White planters revolt with the help of the U.S.

New government led by white planter Sanford B. Dole asked to be annexed by U.S.

U.S. Annexes Hawaii…FINALLY!President Harrison couldn’t get senate

approval before leaving officePresident Cleveland refused to sign because

majority of Hawaiians didn’t want to be annexed

President McKinley’s administration finally passed in 1898