Imperialism and AmericaCh 10-1

American Expansionism

• Imperialism- the policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories.

• 3 factors that fueled American Imperialism:– Desire for military strength– Thirst for new markets– Belief in cultural superiority

Desire for Military Strength

• Because other nations established a military presence in the world, the U.S. decided to do the same.

• Alfred T. Mahan- urged government officials to build up American naval power in order to compete with other nations.

• The U.S. begins construction of battle ships and becomes the third largest naval power.

Thirst for New Markets

• Advanced technology allows the U.S. to overproduce more than they can consume.

• The U.S. needed foreign trade to sell more of its products.

Belief in Cultural Superiority

• Some Americans believed it was their responsibility to spread Christianity to the worlds inferior people.

• Many believed that Anglo-Saxons were superior to other races.

Hawaii

• In 1867 The U.S. buys Alaska and takes over the Midway Islands.

• Hawaii has been important to American trade since the 1790’s.

• In 1875 Hawaiian sugar was imported duty free to the U.S. (C&H Sugar)

• 1887-, Hawaii was pressured into allowing the U.S. to build a naval force at Pearl Harbor.

• By 1900, foreigners outnumbered native Hawaiians 3 to 1.

• Only rich land owners were allowed to vote. Many were white.

• Queen Liliuokalani proposed removing the voting restrictions and many business groups organized a revolution.

• The Queen yielded her authority to avoid any loss of life.

• 1898 Hawaii becomes a U.S. Territory without Hawaiians ever getting to vote on the decision.

• Became 50th state in 1959.