The Course of Imperialism

1. The Course of Imperialism • Mid 1800’s to late 1900’s-powerful nations engaged in a mad dash to extend their influence across much of the world. • Imperialism-the policy by which a stronger nation extends their political, military , and economic control over a weaker territory or territories.

2. Imperialists Seek Economic Benefits • Desire for raw materials and natural resources • Extractive Economics-the imperial country extractedor removes raw materials. • U.S.-issue was not a shortage of materials, but had a surplus of goods.

3. Imperialists Stress Military Strength • To expand and protect interests around the world the nation’s had to build up military strength. • “The Influence of Sea Power Around the World”-Alfred T. Mahan • Build a modern fleet • Acquire foreign bases for ships to refuel-Hawaii, Cuba, Philippines, Guam • Canal across Central America

4. Imperialists Believe in National Superiority • Racial, National, and Cultural superiority • Social Darwinism • Certain nations and races were superior to others and therefore were destined to rule over inferior peoples and cultures

5. Reasons Americans Embraced Social Darwinism • “Manifest Destiny” • “Our Country”-Josiah Strong-picked up a religious theme to “Manifest Destiny” • “The Significance of the Frontier in American History” –Frederick Jackson Turner-now that the frontier had closed discontent ambitious Americans could pursue their fortunes and secure a fresh start

6. U.S. Power Grows in the Pacific • 1853-Commodore Mathew Perry sailed into present day Tokyo Bay, Japan • “Giant Dragons Puffing Smoke” • Result-Perry negotiated a treaty that opened Japan to trade with America

7. Seward Purchases Alaska • 1867-Secretary of State, William Seward bought Alaska from Russia for 7.2 million • “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox” • The “Icebox” turned out to be rich in timber, oil, and other natural resources • Alaska greatly expanded America’s reach across the Pacific

8. U.S. Influence in Latin America Grows • Businessmen saw Latin America as a natural place to expand their trade and investments • First Pan-American Conference • Pan-American highway linked the U.S. to Central and South America

9. The United States Acquires Hawaii • Americans invested in Sugar Cane plantations • 1887-Hawaii amends the constitution so that voting rights were limited to only wealthy landowners

10. American Planters Increase Power • 1890’s American Planters faced two obstacles. • New U.S. Tariff law imposed duties on previously duty-free Hawaiian sugar • 1891-Queen Liliuokalani-”Hawaii for Hawaiian’s”

11. American Planters Increase Power in Hawaii • John L. Stevens, U.S. Minister to Hawaii ordered U.S. Marines on shore • 1893-rebels overthrow the Queen • New government led by Sanford B. Dole asks President Benjamin Harrison to annex, senate didn’t get it approved before Cleveland took office.

12. The United States Annexes Hawaii • Grover Cleveland becomes President • Cleveland’s investigation revealed the majority of Hawaii’s were against annexation. • Cleveland refused to sign the agreement “flagrant wrong-doing” • 1897-new President William McKinley favored the annexation of Hawaii • 1898-Congress proclaimed Hawaii an official U.S. Territory