American Imperialism 1867-1899

What is Imperialism?• Policy of

powerful countries seeking to control the economic & political affairs of smaller countries

5 Reasons for American Imperialism

• 1) Social Darwinism– Definition: A theory which states that a

person or country’s success is determined by their genetic background…if you aren’t doing well or technologically advanced, it’s because you’re the wrong color (theory used later by Hitler & the Nazis)

– Basically, Darwin’s theory for animals was “survival of the fittest.” People tried to apply that theory to humans

How was Social Darwinism used to justify American Imperialism?

• Social Darwinists claimed that it was the “destiny” of white people to conquer and rule everyone else.

Missionary WorkMissionary Work

• Definition: Definition: going to going to other parts other parts of the world of the world to spread to spread the the message of message of ChristianityChristianity

How was Missionary Work used to How was Missionary Work used to justify American Imperialism?justify American Imperialism?

• Missionaries Missionaries believed that believed that they had a they had a sacred duty to sacred duty to spread the spread the message of message of Christianity in Christianity in order to save order to save everyone’s everyone’s soulsoul

U.S. Naval Superiority• A very

influential Navy admiral & writer named Alfred Mahan said that the USA must become a dominant naval power

How was the US Navy used to justify American Imperialism?

• A modern navy needed coaling stations around the world in order to refuel and power its boats

How were overseas markets used to justify American Imperialism?

• Overseas markets = other countries that buy your products

• American farmers, manufacturers, & miners produced more than Americans could buy. These businesses needed overseas markets

How was Manifest Destiny used to justify American Imperialism?

• Because it is “god’s will” that the USA expand beyond North America