Download IMPERIALISM

IMPERIALISM
• The policy or practice of extending the
power and domination of one nation by
direct territorial acquisitions or by
control over the political or economic
life of other areas.
A Growing Support
• After Civil War most Americans were
focused on rebuilding America,
industries and the West.
• After Reconstruction feelings started to
shift toward becoming a world power.
• Economic and military competition
from European countries.
• Sense of cultural superiority
• Willing to go to war to protect
American interest overseas
Powerful Navy
• Alfred T. Mahan, naval officer who saw
the need of a large navy with overseas
bases.
• Protect the interest of Americans
overseas and defend its right to trade
with other countries.
European Expansion of Power
• High tariffs reduced trade between
countries
• Investment growth had slowed due to
the built out infrastructure (railroads,
factories, mines…)
• Started looking to other countries to
sell product
• Needed to protect their interest
(protectorate)
Anglo-Saxonism
• Feeling of superiority by English
speaking nations
• Felt is was part of the idea of Manifest
Destiny
Pacific Ocean
• Perry’s expedition to Japan in hope of
forcing Japan to trade with the United
States
• Japan begins to Westernize (building of
a strong and modern navy)
• Hawaii was a stopping point between
US and Asia
• Settlers soon discovered Hawaii was
fertile and profitable
Expansion of power
• Hawaii – overthrowing the Queen of
Hawaii, Liliuokalani.
• John L. Stevens (American Minister to
Hawaii) wanted Hawaii part of the USA
• Hawaii had profitable sugarcane
plantations
• “The Hawaiian pear is now fully ripe
and this is the golden hour for the
United States to pluck it.”
Pan-Americanism
• United States and Latin America should
work together
• Keep European influence out of the
Western hemisphere