Growth of ImperialismWhat is Imperialism?•A policy in which a stronger nation works to create an empire

–Emerged in the mid-1800s through the early 1900s

How is this done?•By dominating weaker nations/territories economically, politically, culturally, or militarily

Why Imperialism GrewIn the late 1800s, there was a large increase in imperialistic activity as a result of the following factors:1. Economic2. Nationalist3. Military4. Humanitarian•The U.S. joined in the competition for territories once it became a world power

Economic Factors• An overall desire for raw materials &

natural resources:World:

• The growth of industry in Europe created an increased need for natural resources (rubber & petroleum)

• Manufacturing nations needed new markets in which to sell their goods

U.S.: By the late 1800s, Americans had more food &

goods than they could consume New markets could solve economic problems Gain political influence by investing in other

countries

Nationalistic Factors• Imperialists around the world used ideas of

racial, national, and culture superiority to justify imperialism– Social Darwinism (survival of the fittest) was used to

justify this: certain nations & races were superior to others and were destined to rule over inferior peoples & cultures

– Competition among European nations came out of a strong devotion to one’s nation (nationalism)

– Americans feared the U.S. was losing its vitality, energy, & spirit

• A quest for a lager empire could restore the country• Monroe Doctrine: From 1823, it discouraged

European intervention in the Western Hemisphere

Military Factors• To expand and protect their interests around the world,

imperialist nations built up their military strength.• World:

– Advances in military technology in Europe produced armies & navies superior to those in Africa & Asia

– The navies required bases around the world for receiving fuel & supplies

Military Factors• U.S.:

– Alfred T. Mahan:• Military historian & naval officer• Played a key role in transforming the U.S.

into a naval power• In The Influence of Sea Power Upon History he

said that great nations have powerful navies• Called on U.S. to build a modern fleet

– Create a strong U.S. Navy—build modern steam-powered, steel-hulled ships to protect overseas trade

• Economic future depended on naval protection

• Led to an increased budget—one of most powerful navies in the world

• By 1900, U.S. had 3rd largest navy

Humanitarian Factors• Imperialism spread as a result of the goals of

humanitarians:• World:

– Colonial officials, doctors, & missionaries believed it was their duty to spread the “blessings” of Western civilization

– Worked to spread its law, medicine, & Christian religion

• U.S.:– Used Social Darwinism to justify expansion:

• Believe expansionism was the nation’s destiny, would spread democracy & Christianity, and introduce modern civilization to other peoples around the world

Eyes on the Prize• Americans who

pursued expansion focused on 3 main areas of the world:

– Latin America

– Islands in the Pacific

– China

An Open Door to China• European nations and the

U.S. were interested in creating spheres of influence: areas of economic & political control (by an outside power) in China– Britain, France, Germany,

& Russia had carved China into spheres of influence to avoid competing for trade

– Within its zone, each power had privileged access to Chinese ports and markets

– This system threatened to limit U.S. trade in China

Leave the Door Open…• John Hay:

– U.S. Secretary of State– Proposed the Open Door

doctrine to keep the doors of trade open for the Americans, who were too late to profit from the carving up of China.

– U.S. urged the Open Door Policy: favored open trade relations between China & other nations

– Would ensure that the U.S. would have equal access to China’s millions of consumers

– Many European countries rejected this idea

Boxer Rebellion• Presence of foreigners caused resentment and

some in China joined secret societies– Societies celebrated traditional customs & criticized

Western ways– One society, the Righteous and Harmonious Fists had

the nickname “boxers” for their martial arts training – Boxers killed foreign missionaries in May 1900 and

violence against foreigners broke out– Prompted the governments of Europe and America to

send troops to stop rebellion U.S. helps put down rebellion

– After putting down rebellion, European powers forced China’s government to pay for damages

• Fueled Chinese nationalists

“Speak softly & carry a big stick; you will go far.”

--Teddy Roosevelt

Big Stick Diplomacy• Roosevelt’s policy of

creating & using, when necessary, a strong military to achieve America’s goals

• Roosevelt Corollary:– 1904 extension of the Monroe

Doctrine—asserted the right of the U.S. to intervene in Latin American nations

– US becomes “international police force” – (TR)

– Steps in when countries seem unstable

The Great White Fleet• Teddy Roosevelt's "Big

Stick" included a worldwide tour of the American fleet to project American Power.

• Sent in December 1907• ½ the U.S. Navy was

sent on a cruise around the world

• Demonstrated the nation’s naval power

The Great White Fleet

Taft & Dollar Diplomacy“Substituting dollars for bullets”

• Became President in 1908—not as aggressive as Roosevelt

• Worked to maintain the open door to Asia & preserve stability in Latin America

• Dollar Diplomacy:– Encouraged American

investment abroad to maintain order

– Did not always have profitable results

Moral Diplomacy• Stated that the U.S.

would not use force to assert influence in the world, but would instead promote human rights– Stated by President

Woodrow Wilson– Attempted to change the

direction of foreign policy instead of seeking additional territories

– Still forced to use military force in various areas