Understanding the Roots and Causes of Imperialism
The roots of imperialism trace back to the late 19th century when the U.S. transitioned to a major global player, acquiring territories and expanding influence beyond its borders. Economic benefits, such as access to raw materials and gaining a competitive edge, drove nations towards imperialism. This expansion was supported by military strength, as emphasized by figures like Alfred T. Mahan who advocated for naval power. Imperialist actions were fueled by desires for economic gains, resources, and military dominance.
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Imperialism The Roots of Imperialism
The Causes of Imperialism Until the late 19thcentury, US played a small role in world affairs In the late 1800s, leading spokesmen began calling for the US to join the ranks of the world s major powers US began acquiring influence and territories outside the continental borders
The Causes of Imperialism From the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, powerful nations engaged in a mad dash to spread their influence across the world European nations added to colonies established in the Age of Exploration by adding colonies in Africa and Asia US began considering the benefits of imperialism (policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker territories)
Economic Benefits One reason for Imperialism was the desire for raw materials and natural resources, especially European nations and Japan Sought raw materials to fuel their industries at home Colonies were an example of extractive economics (the imperial country extracted raw materials from the colony and shipped them to the home country)
Economic Benefits Possession of colonies gave nations a competitive edge for global resources US possessed vast natural resources, leading to fewer concerns of shortages US problem was a surplus of goods US desire was to sell surplus goods in overseas markets to ensure higher prices and profits
Military Strength To expand their influence, imperialist nations built up their military strength Alfred T. Mahan: military historian and an officer in the US Navy, played a key role in transforming America into a naval power
Military Strength The Influence of Sea Power Upon History: Mahan argued that throughout history, many great nations owed their greatness to powerful navies Called for US to build a powerful navy and acquire foreign bases to refuel their ships By 1900 US had the third largest navy in the world
National Superiority Racial, national, and cultural superiority used to justify imperialism Social Darwinism used to justify imperialism, stronger nations were meant to rule over weaker nations Americans feared if US did not get involved in imperialism, America would not survive
First Steps Toward World Power By the mid-1800s US began focusing more on expanding its trade and acquiring new territories 1853: Commodore Matthew Perry sailed American warships into Tokyo Bay Perry showered Japanese emperor with gifts, negotiating a treaty to open Japan to trade with America
First Steps Toward World Power Perry s trip opened further US expansion across Pacific Ocean 1867: US took control of the Midway Islands 1875 & 1887: increased trade to Hawaiian Islands and gave US rights to build naval base at Pearl Harbor
Seward Purchases Alaska 1867: Secretary of State William Seward purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million Journalists referred to Alaska as Seward s Folly and Seward s Icebox Seward s purchase almost doubled US size and was a rich source of timber, oil, and other natural resources
The US Acquires Hawaii US had been tied economically to Hawaii since the 1790s when American merchant ships stopped at Hawaii on their way to East Asia Christian missionaries established schools on the island and Americans established sugar cane plantations
The US Acquires Hawaii 1887: American planters convince King Kalakaua to amend Hawaii constitution so that voting rights held by wealthy landowners (white planters) Early 1890s: white planters faced two crises: US tariff law imposed duties on previously duty-free Hawaiian sugar 1891: King Kalakaua died and his sister Liliuokalani became queen
The US Acquires Hawaii Queen Liliuokalani was a Hawaiian nationalist who resented the increasing power of white planters who owned much of Hawaiian land Abolished the constitution that had given political power to the white minority 1893: backed by US officials, white planters overthrew the queen
The US Acquires Hawaii With the help of US Marines, white planters seized power New government led by wealthy planter Sanford B. Dole asked President Benjamin Harrison to annex Hawaii into the US President Harrison signed the treaty of annexation, but could not get required Senate approval before Grover Cleveland became President
The US Acquires Hawaii Cleveland ordered a full investigation Revealed majority of Hawaiian people did not approve the treaty Cleveland refused to sign agreement and apologized Hawaiian annexation remained strong along the West Coast and in 1898 supported by William McKinley, Congress proclaimed Hawaii an official US territory
