Reasons why the US Became an Imperial Power

What is Imperialism? Imperialism is the policy in which

stronger nations extend their economic, political, and/or military control over weaker nations

Imperialism most often results in the stronger nation establishing a colony in the weaker nation to maintain its control

European countries, by the late 19th century, had established colonies on the following continents: Africa, Asia, South and Central America

US Tradition of ExpansionismThe US had a tradition of expansionism

long before it become imperialistic˃ 1803—US purchased the Louisiana Territory

from France, doubling the size of the country˃ 1819—Spain ceded Florida to the US˃ 1823—Monroe Doctrine, warning European

countries to stay out of the Western hemisphere (Latin America) because it was our “sphere of influence”

˃ 1840s—Manifest Destiny of the US . . . was to expand from sea to sea

˃ 1845—annexed Texas which at that time considered itself independent

US Tradition of Expansionism˃ 1846—Great Britain ceded the Oregon

Territory (WA, OR, ID and part of WY) to the US

˃ 1848—the US paid Mexico $15 million (about $350 million today) for the Mexican Cession – CA, NV, UT and parts of CO, NM, AZ & WY

˃ 1853—purchased the southern parts of AZ and NM from Mexico for $10m = Gadsden Purchase

˃ 1867—purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million . . . Most Americans thought it was a bad deal (boy were they wrong!!)

˃ 1867—annexed the Midway Islands in the Pacific (two small atolls)

Factors Fueling New U.S. Imperialism1. Thirst for new markets to sell US

goods2. Desire for military strength to

compete with, and gain the respect of, other world powers

3. Belief in our cultural superiority (Social Darwinism) and the benefits it could bring to less civilized people

4. Desire for a new frontier to settle in order to maintain America’s identity and prosperity

US Imperialism

Economic Reason The US had suffered a depression in 1893 –

unemployment was high and farmers were suffering greatly from overproduction, under consumption and low prices

Overseas territories would provide the US with access to cheap raw materials it could use to fuel its factories to recapture its prosperity

Overseas territories would provide US businesses and farmers access to new markets (places) to sell their surplus (extra) goods leading to higher prices, more profits and more jobs (A STRONG ECONOMY!)

Military/Political Reasons If the US was to become a respected and

influential world power (like Great Britain and France) it too would need to establish a global military presence and acquire overseas territories

American leaders, like TR and Alfred T. Mahan of the US Navy, urged government officials to build up the U.S. Navy in order to complete with other powerful nations and extend its influence globally˃ Overseas territories needed to support the

new navy (coaling stations, repairs, military bases)

˃ Navy needed to protect new territories and merchant ships trading near new territories

Cultural Reasons Social Darwinism Belief in the racial superiority of Anglo-

Saxons (white Americans of Northern & Western European descent) – to justify American Imperialism

How Social Darwinism was used to justify overseas expansion:˃ Each race has a distinct mission and place in God’s

plan. God’s plan that English speaking Anglo-Saxons rule

the world and uplift inferior races (in Africa and Asia in particular)

˃ The United States had a responsibility to spread Christianity and “civilization” the worlds “inferior peoples/races” around the world.

˃ US imperialism would provide the perfect opportunity to fulfill this responsibility while at the same time strengthen our economy

Cultural ReasonsOverseas territories would provide

the US with a new frontier to settle, explore and exploit - which was essential in order too…˃ Continue to be prosperous (as they would

provide new land to settle and natural resources to use)

˃ Maintain our democratic values of equality, bravery, ingenuity, individualism and patriotism

˃ Remain a great independent nation˃ Continue to have an outlet for the

restless elements of American society