There were several factors that contributed to the United States joining the imperialist movement in the late 19th century. Economic needs drove expansion to secure new markets and natural resources. Nationalism was on the rise and the U.S. sought to spread its ideals. New military technology empowered Western nations over others and the U.S. sought naval bases. Missionaries and doctors felt obligated to spread Western civilization. These pressures, along with a desire for new frontiers and belief in Manifest Destiny, led the U.S. to pursue imperial ambitions in places like Hawaii, Alaska, and the Philippines.

1. The Pressure to Expand American Imperialism

2. Why did the United States join the imperialist club at the end of the 19th century? Essential Question

3. Imperialism Strong nations attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nations

4. Economic Factors Increased need for natural resources New markets to sell manufactured goods

5. Nationalistic Factors Rise of nationalism Devotion to one’s country Believed themselves, ideas, goals superior to those of other nations

6. Military Factors New technology make European armies and navies superior to Asian and African Growing navies need bases for refueling and restocking

7. Humanitarian Factors Missionaries and doctors believe had duty to spread Western civilization

8. Monroe Doctrine Main principle of US foreign policy since the 1820s US declare self neutral in European wars Warned other countries not to interfere in the W. hemisphere

9. Manifest Destiny Justified US policy toward Mexico Annexation of Texas, acquisition of California and southwestern territory All early steps toward imperialism

10. William Seward Secretary of State Purchased Alaska Hope US presence on both sides of Canada force the British out of North America

11. Commodore Matthew C. Perry 1853 sailed fleet into Tokyo bay Forced Japanese to start trading with the US

12. The Pacific US want control of some islands to use as refueling and repair stations Seward want annexation of uninhabited Midway Islands in 1867 US Treaty with Hawaii 1875 Hawaiians sell sugar to US duty-free Couldn’t sell/lease territory to any foreign power

13. Promote Economic Growth Overproduction of food and goods Financial panics Frequent economic depressions US must secure markets abroad US businessmen invest in foreign economies Banana Republics = Central American nations dominated by US business interests

14. Promote American Security Alfred T. Mahan The Influence of Sea Power Upon History Nations economic future tied to gaining new markets abroad Need powerful navy to protect markets from foreign rivals Congress need to build modern steam-powered, steel-hulled ships

15. Preserve American Spirit Fear US lose vitality Closing frontier sap nation’s energy Quest for empire restore pioneer spirit Social Darwinism Certain racial and ethnic groups superior to others Expansionism is nation’s destiny and noble pursuit

16. Americans Lean Toward Expansion Want new markets abroad Want favorable trade relations Political and military entanglements follow Difficult, bloody, painful foreign conflicts Hawaii Spanish-American War Philippines