Reaching for Empire

Learning Target: Explain why and how the US imperialized in the

1800’s and early 1900s

Unit 2 – US History

What is imperialism?

• Imperialism – A powerful country’s control of another weaker country’s economic, political, and social life

What is expansionism?

• Expansionism – process of increasing the territory of the U.S.

Why did the US want to Imperialize?

1. Monroe Doctrine

2. Manifest Destiny

3. Military Power

4. Racial/American Superiority

5. Economic Opportunity

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

Europe can no longer establish colonies in the Western Hemisphere

Europe can’t interfere in America’s affairs

Examples:

What was Manifest Destiny?

• Idea that US was a superior country and had right to invade, conquer, and occupy the North American Continent and beyond

• Example:

What were the Military Reasons?

• Military and Naval Bases to defend US interests around the world

• Example:

How was America Superior?

Spread Ideals of Democracy Convert Natives to Christianity

Examples

What were the Economic Reasons?

Raw Materials for Industrial Revolution Markets to sell products Trade routes

Examples:

How did we acquire the new territory?

• Compromise

• Purchase

• War/Military Force

Oregon and Washington

• Polk felt US had a “God Given” right to the territory

• Wanted British Out

• Challenged British for Territory

• led to division of Territory at 49th Parallel

Texas/CA/NM

• US felt it had a “God Given Right” to the Territory

• Mexican American War• Mexico broke diplomatic ties

with US over annexation of Texas

• US tried to buy CA, NM for 30M but Mexico refused to sell

• War broke out over border disputes

• War lasted 2 years• US got ½ of Mexico for 15M

Alaska

• Paid Russia $7.2 M – Known as Seward’s Folly – no benefit to US– Later Economic Benefits Discovered

– Gold discovered in Yukon valley, Copper and Oil, seal and whales

Hawaii

US reasons: raw materials, military bases, and to convert natives

• US gains rights from King Kalakaua for Naval Base at Pearl Harbor

• US sugar planters staged a rebellion against Queen Liluokalani for political control

• US Marines were sent to “protect” US interest• US moved toward annexation

Guam, Puerto Rico, Philippines

• By 1898 Spain had lost almost all of its colonies in Latin America with the exception of Puerto Rico and Cuba

• US wants: Military Bases, Natural Resources, Spread American/Christian Values, Spain out of Western Hemisphere

• How do we receive the territory?

1. Name and explain 2 reasons why the US Imperialized in the 1800s & early 1900s

2. Name 1 way how the US expanded its territory in the 1800s and early1900s and provide an example that proves your statement.