Jonathan Mullen Period: 05Mrs. Cuzzi 4/12/10

Chapter 18: America Claims an EmpireSection 1: Imperialism and America

1. American Expansionisma. Global Competition

i. Africa becomes “prime target” of European Expansionism (Imperialism)ii. Major territory competition in Asia / China

iii. Quoted from textbook: “19th Century reform era. Japan replaces old Feudal order w/ a new strong central form of government.

1. Hoped that military strength would increase industrialism2. Joined with other European nations in competition for Chinese

territories in 1890iv. U.S. imperialism fueled by three main factors

1. Desire for military strength2. Thirst for new markets3. Belief in cultural superiority

b. Desire for Military Strengthi. Other nations began establishing a “global scale” military presence

1. Many Gov. Leaders (including Alfred T Mahan) advises U.S. officials to build up military strength

a. Buildup includes of:i. Additional Troops

ii. New Tacticsiii. New Technology

c. Thirst for New Marketsi. Agriculturally based markets: Major Surplus

ii. Industrial based markets: Raw materials needed for expansion1. Foreign trade was emphasized as being a solution for:

a. Overproductionb. Underemploymentc. Economic Depression

d. Belief in cultural Superiorityi. Many Americans justified imperialism

1. Believed that the U.S. “has a responsibility to spread “civilization” to the world’s “inferior peoples” (less “civilized).

2. United States Acquires Alaskai. William Seward: Secretary of state under president Abraham Lincoln and

Andrew Johnson1. Supporter of American Expansion

a. 1876: Arranged to buy Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.i. Despite low confidence, U.S. agrees to buy

1. Rich in raw materials3. United States takes Hawaii

a. The cry for Annexation

i. 1875- U.S. agrees to import Hawaiian Sugar Tax Free1. Hawaiian Sugar Output exceeds 9X it’s original level (over 15 years)

a. This agreement ends upon enactment of the McKinley Tariffi. Plantation owners call for annexation of Hawaii

b. U.S. leaders understand the value of having the Hawaiian Islands

i. Hawaii was pressured by the Navy to permit the building of a major naval base (Pearl Harbor)

b. The End of a Monarchyi. 1959: Hawaii becomes the 50th state of the United States

ii.