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American Imperialism Expanding Horizons What is Imperialism? • Imperialism- the extension or imposition of power, authority, or influence • From the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s, the United States expanded its influence into new areas of the world. Why Imperialism? • The United States wanted to expand its influence and control over new parts of the world in order to: – Find and use natural resources • oil, minerals, food, etc. – Expand trade • new markets and customers – Increase Military power • increase security, gain military bases – Keep pace with European nations Where did the U.S. want to expand? • The United States focused its expansion on: – The Caribbean Islands • Puerto Rico, Cuba – Central America • Panama – Pacific Islands • Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, The Philippines – Alaska How did Imperialism take hold? • Some new territories would become States – Alaska and Hawaii • Some new territories would become United States Territories (not quite a state) – Puerto Rico, Guam • Some new territories would become independent nations, heavily influenced by the U.S. – Panama, The Philippines The 49th and 50th States • 49th- Alaska – Purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7 million. • ~ 2 cents per acre – Became the 49th State in May, 1959. • 50th – Hawaii – Independent Kingdom of Hawaii from 1810-1893 – Claimed by the U.S. in 1898 – Became the 50th State in August, 1959. The Panama Canal • The construction of the Panama Canal was the largest building project in history. – Began: May 6, 1904 – Finished : August 15, 1914 • The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. – Shortens the trip between Oceans by ~8,000 miles – Important for World Trade – Allows the U.S. Navy to protect both U.S. Coasts Building the Canal • The Panama Canal was first attempted by France. (1881-1894) – After 13 years the project was abandoned. • Spent nearly $287,000,000 • Suffered ~22,000 deaths – (Accidents and Disease) – Only completed ~ ½ the project 1904 • In 1904 the United States restarted construction of the Panama Canal. • The first step was to decrease disease and keep workers alive. – Malaria and Yellow Fever were the biggest killers – Research led new ideas on preventing the spread of these deadly diseases. How to save lives • The single most important step taken to stop the spread of disease was…. – Eliminating Mosquitos!! • Mosquitos spread malaria and yellow fever • Insecticides, oiling, and the elimination of stagnant water helped kill more than 61 billion mosquitos!! Diseases eliminated • With the elimination of mosquitos and precautions like vaccinations and bed-nets, disease rates dropped by more than 93%. Building the Canal • Between 1904-1914 the United States completed the Panama Canal: – Dug more than 200,000,000 cubic yards of earth. – Poured ~2 million cubic yards of concrete. – Built the world’s largest man made lake, and the world’s largest ship locks. – Spent more than $375 million. Open for business • The Panama Canal opened on August 14th, 1914. – S.S. Ancon • First ship through the Panama Canal – Since it’s opening more than 900,000 ships have passed through the Panama Canal.