IMPERIALISM AND AMERICASWBAT: ANALYZE THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST U.S. IMPERIALISM HOMEWORK: VOCABULARYDO NOW: WHY WOULD A POWERFUL NATION BE INTERESTED IN CLAIMING NEW TERRITORY OVERSEAS? WHAT BENEFITS MIGHT THERE BE?

What is Imperialism?

A policy of extending a country's authority over other countries by economic, political or military

means.

WHY DOES IMPERIALISM MATTER IN 19TH CENTURY AMERICA?• American in comparison with other Western nations is really

behind in terms of being an imperialist power. • By 1914, the African continent has been divided by

imperialist European powers.• Great Britain and France also have large territorial

possessions in the Far East.

Map of territorial possessions in Africa, 1914

“THE SUN NEVER SETS ON THE BRITISH EMPIRE”

AMERICA’S OPINION ON IMPERIALISM

• Most Americans are in favor of manifest destiny (occupying the land between the Atlantic and Pacific).• However, most Americans dislike the idea of

imperialism.• Why do you think this is?

• One person, William Jennings Bryan is anti-imperialism.

ACTIVITY: ANTI-IMPERIALISM ARGUMENTS

• Read William Jennings Bryan’s arguments against imperialism. Using the organizer, jot down his response to reasons pro-imperialist Americans feel imperialism is good.

SOMETHING CHANGES…BUT WHY?

• 4 main reasons:• Global Competition• Desire for Military Strength• Thirst for New Markets• Belief in Cultural Superiority

BUT WHERE TO BEGIN??

• 1867: William Seward was particularly interested in Alaska.• People thought he was crazy.• Managed to get Congress to

fund the $7.2 million purchase• Comes out to 2 cents an acre.

• In 1959, Alaska was made a state.

NEXT STOP…HAWAII

• Why would the United States be interested in annexing Hawaii?

Hawaii

REASONS

• Location was important stop for trade with Asia.• Missionaries were already there converting the people.• American farmers were growing sugar there.• Had to pay an import tax since they were not a state/territory.

• Refuel station for American Navy at Pearl Harbor.

RESULT

• Marines overthrew Queen Liliuokalani by force and set up a gov’t headed by Sanford B. Dole.• Why does that last name sound familiar?

• 1898 Hawaii was annexed despite opposition from Hawaiians. • 1959: becomes the 50th state.

EXIT SLIP QUESTIONWas the U.S justified in annexing Hawaii into its territory abroad? Explain.