5 REASONS FOR IMPERIALISM

What is Imperialism? What is U.S. Expansionism?

Think about these questions and discuss with partner

ECONOMIC

Provide raw materials (natural

resources) WHY NEEDED?

Market for surplus of

manufactured goods WHAT DOES

THAT MEAN?

POLITICALNationalism: Pride in one’s own nation-

loyalty+devotion-so much so that believe

own nation’s above others

Recognition as World Power “plant your

flag” Increase power and prestige over

others-Be # 1 imperialist country in the

world

Countries are in competition and took

territories to prevent rival from getting it

MILITARYNational Security: Protection.

Military advantage

Fueling station for Navy

Strategically located for battle or

just to fill up on supplies or for travel

CULTURALSocial Darwinism: application of Charles

Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” to human

societies

Strong survive, weak or poor unfit

European colonizers Superior races while

Asian and African colonized inferior

Noble duty to uplift and enlighten

“uncivilized” people

RELIGIOUSMissionaries spread Christianity

Religion encouraged imperialism because they felt

needed to acquire territory in order to Christianize

people.

Under Christianity all people equal in the eye’s of God

Direct conflict with Social Darwinism- WHY?

Hypocrisy: Spoke of uplifting people but motivated by

profit and greed