Chapter 22

Section 1

Imperialism in the Pacific

America Becomes an Imperial Power

• ? Why did some Americans support imperialist policies?

• Manifest Destiny – push to Pacific coast, and now beyond.

• Imperialism – policy by which stronger nations extend their economic,political, or military control over weaker nations.

Con’t

• European expansionism into Africa, the late 19th century.

• Would increase the nations’ financial prosperity, strengthen militarily, and spread democratic ideas.

• Superiority of the Western culture.

American Expansionism

• ? Why did America want to acquire Alaska and Hawaii?

• William Seward – former Secretary of State.

• Purchase Alaska from Russia in 1867 for 7.2million. “Sewards Icebox” “Sewards Folly”.

The Annexation of Hawaii

• Late 1800s, missionaries had moved to Hawaii to convert locals to Christianity.

• Descendants started sugar plantations and dominated economically.

• Queen Liliuokalani 1891- tried to limit their power.• Planters revolted and overthrew the Queen.• 1887 – Pearl Harbor established; refueling station

for American merchant and military ships bound for Asia.

• Hawaii annexed in 1898.