American Imperialism

Becoming A World Power

Imperialism
Imperialism: Stronger nations attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nationseconomically, politically, culturally, or militarily.
Where did U.S. get this idea?
Was it innate? Americans were naturally seeking growth ever since colonial times?....and still now? Was it to compete with the growing European territories in African and Asia?

Why Imperialism Grew

Economic factors: Europes growing industry increased the need for natural resources which came from underdeveloped areas of the world. So, they came in and got those resources because they could. Right?
Nationalist factors: Pride and devotion in ones nation; generally very nationalistic people believe their goals and ideals are superior than those of other nations. Military factors: Advances in military technology made taking small areas do-able Humanitarian factors: Religious and humanitarian goals inspired some to spread the blessings of Western civilzation,

What about the Monroe Doctrine?

Monroe Doctrine had been the main principle of foreign policy in the United States since as early as the 1820s.
It stated that further efforts by European nations to colonize land or interfere with states in North America could be viewed as acts of aggression, requiring US intervention.
At the same time, the doctrine noted that the US would neither interfere with existing European colonies nor meddle in the internal concerns of European countries.

Generally an isolationist stand on foreign affairs

US Expansion
Reasons for US growth
Promotes economic growth: by late 1800s industrialism had made US a powerful economy
However overproduction of food and goods led to financial panicssome believed the economic problems could be solved by expanding its markets.

Protecting American Security

Strong US Navy; protect overseas trade
Naval Act of 1890 called for the construction of more battleships, gunboats, torpedo boats, and cruisers.

US Expansion
Preserving American Spirit Some worried US was losing its vitality; other leaders drew on Social Darwinism to justify takeovers of new territories. While some accepted the conquer of Native Americans as right and inevitable, they did not see themselves as potential rulers of oppressed foreign people.

According to this ad, what is white mans burden? How does this artist portray America

 Take a minute or two and write in your notes your opinion

Was American Imperialism inevitable? Why or why not?

Anti-Imperialists
Moral and Political Arguments
Some believed that expansionist behavior was a rejection of the foundation of liberty for all.

We regret that it has become necessary in the land of Washington and Lincoln to reaffirm that all men of whatever race or color, are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.Republican & former Senator of Missouri 1898 Carl Schurz People in territories controlled by the US should be entitled to the same guarantees as US citizens

Anti-Imperialism
Racism was at work?
Many Southern politicians feared the effects of having to absorb more people of different races into the US

People thought imperialism would encourage people of all different racial backgrounds to move to the US.

No matter... Imperialist views won.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfsfoFqsFk4