Hi I Represent America!

My Goal is to be a WORLD Power Player!

Unit 4: Lecture #1

An Introduction to American Imperialism CA Standard: 11.4

American wants to be a world power player

because

We want to make $$$

&

We want to be the BEST COUNTRY IN

THE WORLD!

Lecture Review Questions

1. What factors influenced Americans to play a more active role in the world?

2. Why did journalist criticize Seward for his purchase of Alaska?

3. Why was the Annexation of Hawaii an act of imperialism?

Under Imperialism what do the stronger nations attempt to do?– Dominate Weaker Countries:

– What is an Empire?– Why do countries want them?

What are the 3 Main Elements of Imperialism?

1. Industrialization-

2. Nationalism-

3. Humanitarianism-

4. What 3 things do Americans hope to accomplish on a humanitarian level while practicing imperialism?

Which Countries were major imperial powers in the 19th century?

EnglandOld Enemy.

Biggest threat.

Has so much territory people

began to say” the sun never sets on

the English Empire”

France

Pretty powerful. Love/Hate relationship

Helped us win American Revolution

and throw out the British.

But doesn’t want us as competition

SpainFirst player we will encounter. Their

colonies are the ones closest to us. Used to own Mexico, until they

got thrown out like British. But they do still

have Puerto Rico, Cuba, & Philippines.

Which countries are trying to build empires, and what do they have in common?

We are new to building an empire, but we are going to

try!

Germany is new to it to, but they are going

to try.

We are both:

Industrialized Nations

BUT, we both NEED to build

up our Militaries.

We both Start by Dominating

Weaker countries to be considered in

the same class as Britain, Spain, and

France

How is the USA going to expand?

• 49th State: Alaska • 50th State: Hawaii

Why Alaska?

• Secretary of State William H. Seward bought Alaska in 1867 from Russia.– People said it was a dumb idea…I mean its Worthless

right? “Just a bunch of walrus covered ice burgs!”

–

Why Alaska? (cont’d)1. Seward’s strategy was to

surround the British on two sides of Canada…

- which could drive British out of region.

-Leaving more land to be conquered close to home!

2. BUT it didn’t work, the British never left.

3. HOWER…ALASKA was later found rich with natural resources!

4. Like OIL !!!!

When did Hawaii become a state and why did the USA want it?

• Since the 1790s American Merchant ships stopped in Hawaii on their way to East India

• Americans established Sugar Plantations & imported exotic fruits like pineapples.

• 1887 Hawaiian Constitution changes restricting voting rights to wealthy landowners. (white American planters)

Why was the Annexation of Hawaii an act of imperialism?

CONQUER!• 1891 King Kalakaua died.

• His sister Queen Liliuokalani was AGAINST US control of Hawaii – Abolished the constitution that

empowered American plantation owners..

You will NOT take MY ISAND!

How did the USA benefit from the annexation of Hawaii 1898?

• 1893 Sanford B. Dole w/ US Marines REMOVED Queen Liliuokalani from power and DECLARED Hawaii its own republic.

• In spirit of manifest destiny and the need for naval bases (pearl harbor) US annexed Hawaii as 50th State