Unit 6: The Age of Imperialism and World War I (1890 – 1918)

Debating America’s New Role: Was Imperialism Good for

America?

Pro-Imperialists Arguments

We need a new frontier for investment

New markets would help the economy

Military bases around the world would make us stronger

Spread Christianity

Spread Democratic Ideals

Make life better for colonial subjects (ie – Filipinos and Hawaiians – Social Darwinism)

Copy Europeans

Anti-Imperialist Arguments

Violated basic principles of U.S. government (D.O.I. and Bill of Rights)

Encouraged Racism

Would result in higher taxes and more debt

We have enough problems at home

Imperialism would lead to more conflicts and wars with other nations (see WW I!)

We are not Europeans!

A. Explain the meaning of the caption, “Ten thousand miles from tip to tip.”

B. Explain the artist’s views on imperialism by discussing two uses of symbolism in the cartoon. Support your interpretation of U.S. imperialism involving at least two of the islands shown on the map.