Imperialism

1. Imperialism Through Imperialism America would have a new frontier

2. Imperialism & America • Imperialism – The Policy in which stronger nations extend their economic political, or military control over weaker territories • Countries all over the world were imperialistic already. • Africa was a prime target of European expansion • China & Japan were also targets for European imperialism.

3. 3 Factors for Expansion • Desire for Military Strength • Thirst for New Markets • Belief in Cultural Superiority

5. #1: Military Strength • Alfred T. Mahan – Writes book “Influence of Sea Power Upon History” to encourage building a navy. **U.S. will need naval bases. • U.S. became 3rd largest navy in world • Called “Great White Fleet” because ships were painted white.

6. #2: New Markets • America had a surplus of goods caused by advancements in technology and overproduction. • Overseas ports & foreign trade would create more consumers for products.

7. #3: Cultural Superiority • Some Americans argued that the United States had a responsibility to spread Christianity and “civilization” to the world’s “inferior peoples” • “The White Man’s Burden” Rudyard Kipling

8. “The White Man’s Burden” Rudyard Kipling Take up the White Man’s burden— Send forth the best ye breed— Go send your sons to exile To serve your captives' need To wait in heavy harness On fluttered folk and wild— Your new-caught, sullen peoples, Half devil and half child Take up the White Man’s burden In patience to abide To veil the threat of terror And check the show of pride; By open speech and simple An hundred times made plain To seek another’s profit And work another’s gain Take up the White Man’s burden— And reap his old reward: The blame of those ye better The hate of those ye guard— The cry of hosts ye humour (Ah slowly) to the light: "Why brought ye us from bondage, “Our loved Egyptian night?” Take up the White Man’s burden- Have done with childish days- The lightly proffered laurel, The easy, ungrudged praise. Comes now, to search your manhood Through all the thankless years, Cold-edged with dear-bought wisdom, The judgment of your peers!

9. Alaska & Hawaii • Alaska purchased from Russians in 1867 by William Seward • Alaska, originally knows as “Seward's folly” because people thought it was a bad idea - became a state in 1959, and later proved to be a land rich in timber, minerals and also oil.

10. Alaska & Hawaii • Hawaii annexed in 1897 because U.S. wanted naval base in the Pacific • Hawaii was originally a monarchy but was controlled by American businesses who wanted it to be part of U.S. • Queen Liluokalani tried to keep Hawaii for native Hawaiians by removing property qualifications for voting • Business overthrew Queen and asked for U.S. annexation • Still Hawaiians who want independence today