American Imperialism

-Manifest Destiny Overseas

Objective

Analyze the effects of imperialism on the foreign

policy of the United States from Reconstruction to World War I.

What is imperialism?• A policy of extending a country's

power and economic influence through diplomacy or military force.

American InfluenceOver time, American influence has spread across the entire globe.• Sometimes this is in

big ways involving government and military.

• Sometimes this is simply our culture being adopted in other parts of the world.

Imperialism vs. Isolationism

• Before the late 1800s, the U.S. was primarily an ISOLATIONIST country. Isolationists focused on DOMESTIC issues and avoided getting entangled in world conflicts. The U.S. was reconstructing the South, increasing industry, and settling the west.

Imperialism vs. Isolationism (Cont’d)

• Near the end of the 1800s, the U.S. looks more towards IMPERIALISM. Imperialist nations were attempting to expand their power overseas.

• IMPERIALISM – Economic and political domination over other weaker nations.

Why does the U.S. Imperialize?

• To protect its own interests:– Natural Resources– Economics- New

Markets– National Security– Competition with

Europe– Spread Democracy

Economic ReasonsNeed for New Overseas Markets

• In Europe, countries looked for overseas markets to sell surplus goods and invest capital because tariffs were so high.

• Many acquire colonies and PROTECTORATES (where an imperial power lets local rulers stay in power, but tells them what to do).

• As the west gets settled by the late 1800s, the U.S. begins to look for overseas markets to keep the economy strong.

• 1853 – Matthew C. Perry goes to Japan to increase trade, interests the Japanese in Western technology and weapons.

• With increase in Asian trade, there is more interest in ANNEXING Hawaii. U.S. could use it as a naval base, and it would help Hawaii’s economy.

• In 1893, Queen Liliuokalani overthrown, and U.S. annexes Hawaii five years later.

Social/Political ReasonsANGLO-SAXON SUPERIORITY

• In continuation of the theory of Social Darwinism, Americans believed that the strong would dominate the weak.

• Many Americans felt English speaking nations were SUPERIOR, and would dominate the world.

• The belief in American exceptionalism and the virtue of American democracy and Christianity added to calls for imperialism.

• For this reason, many wanted to expand overseas.

Competition with EuropeRise of European Imperialism

• As European countries practiced imperialism in the Western Hemisphere, the U.S. became more involved with World affairs.

• U.S. gets involved in conflicts with Germany and Great Britain in the late 1800s.

• Many Americans felt that if they did not compete for overseas interests with European nations, they would be left behind and not be a world power.

National SecurityThe Push for a Modern Navy

• In 1890, Alfred T. Mahan wrote The Influence of Sea Power Upon History. This book stated that world powers from the past had strong navies to trade and to protect itself. Mahan said that the U.S. needed one as well.

• He also claimed that if the U.S. had a strong navy, it needed overseas naval bases as well.

William Mckinley• American President Elected in

1896• Open Door Policy• U.S. Foreign Policy that all

countries should be able to trade with China rather than Japan and European countries monopolizing Chinese Markets.

• 1 Effect of This Imperial Policy is “The Boxer Rebellion.”

• 1898-1901• Chinese Nationalists

started a movement to oppose foreign imperialism in their country.

• An 8 nation alliance defeated the Boxers and the Imperial Army.

The Boxer Rebellion

Arguments for and Against Imperialism

Pro-Imperialists

• Many people supported the idea of imperialism citing evidence that:– We need new markets to

sell our goods– We need a stronger navy.– We need to civilize and

Christianize the rest of the world.

– We need to compete with Europe.

Anti-Imperialists• Many people opposed

imperialism because they felt that:– It was inherently un-American to

dominate another people.– We should continue the tradition of

isolationism and avoid foreign entanglements.

– Imperialism would shift attention away from domestic reform.

– The only people benefitting would be big business. (Think “Progressive Era”)

Who Wins?

• In the end the Imperialist ideas will prevail.– When it all boils down, arguments for Guns,

Gold and God were too strong for the anti-Imperialists.

Independent Practice“The March of the Flag”

Read the speech by Senator Albert Beveridge in 1898.

Look for his justifications for imperialism.Each time you find one highlight it and annotate it

with the short-hand notes below.1. E- Economics

2. Soc/Pol- Social/Political

3. Comp- Competition with Europe

4. NS- National Security

Once you have highlighted and annotated your document pull the quote that best exemplifies each category. (you should have 4)