The Pros and Cons of Imperialism At the Turn of the 20 th Century

1. The Pros and Cons of ImperialismAt the Turn of the 20th Century US History

2. Reasons for the US to Expand Overseas: • The US needed to continue its frontier experience overseas • Continental frontier was not longer adequate for the population. • US needed “elbow room”

3. Reasons for (continued) • US belief in cultural superiority • Race, values, religion, and economics • Goal was to civilize the world • Helping lesser peoples **Ethnocentrism**

4. Reasons for (continued) • Imperialism was the product of strains in the society due to industrialization • Increase in productivity=need for new markets to expand into • US needs more natural resources

5. Reasons for (continued) • Social Darwinism is a prominent belief • People believed that “survival of the fittest” applied to people AND nations

6. Anti-Imperialism Arguments • Goes against beliefs of Christianity to force people to “follow suit” • Imperialism is undemocratic • US does not have the military capabilities to protect an overseas empire

7. Anti-Imperialism (continued) • Stay out of European affairs • Use the two oceans to protect us • Stay isolated • Imperialism= tyranny • US was a colony of Great Britain once

8. Anti-Imperialism (continued) • There is no need to expand overseas • US is a vast nation • Plenty of natural resources • Plenty of markets for goods

9. Discussion Questions • How do the justifications for imperialism have their roots in the Progressive Movement? • …in the Industrial Revolution?