U.S. Imperialism

Bell Ringer What are some reasons that countries might

have for taking control of other countries?

Imperialism Imperialism – one country exerting control

over another country through political or military force Example: British Empire

Distinction between colonialism and imperialism: Colonialism – People from “mother country” settle

in colonized country, live among colonized people Imperialism – People from imperializing country

don’t necessarily need to settle in imperialized country; important aspect is CONTROL over imperialized country

Background Monroe Doctrine

U.S. would take care of all issues in the Western hemisphere

Manifest Destiny Americans should continue

expanding At this point, Americans

occupied all of what is now the continental U.S.

Industrialization American factories were

producing more than Americans could consume

Need for raw materials

Which countries did the U.S. imperialize?

Why would Americans want an empire? Monroe Doctrine Need for new markets Need for raw materials Keep up with Europeans “Civilize” the rest of the world

The White Man’s Burden

Why would Americans be against a U.S. empire? U.S. should focus on its own problems Might end up in war while defending imperial

holdings Costs money, lives

Hypocrisy Ideals of democracy, self-determination U.S.’s own history as a colony

How did this cartoonist feel about imperialism?

How did the cartoonist feel about imperialism?

How did this cartoonist feel about imperialism?

What did the cartoonist think of imperialism?

How does the cartoonist feel about imperialism?

Is the U.S. imperialist today?

Is the U.S. imperialist today? Cultural imperialism

U.S. dominates media around the world, spreads ideas/culture

Some people maintain that this establishes an unequal power balance with many developing countries and the U.S.

Exit Slip Should the U.S. have imperialized other

countries during the late-1800s/early-1900s? Why or why not?

What might have been the consequences of building an American empire, both for the U.S. and the countries it imperialized?