US imperialism (Historical Context)

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Shirley Chisholm was the
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She was elected in 1968
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Historical Context of

Imperialism

Learning Target

I can analyze the main factors that contributed into the historical context of US imperialism by identifying specific examples.

Open Ended

What is imperialism?

U.S. incentives?

-Why would we expand?

-Have we done it before?

-Whats going on domestically that would promote expansion?(ideas/beliefs)

Open Ended

What would end up allowing the United States to have total dominance when they fully adopted the policy of Imperialism?

Naval Buildup

-By 1900, the United States had the third-largest navy in the World

-Battleships were modernized and were equipped with steel- plated armor.

-The USS Maine was an example of Naval Power

-Why would the United States have an interest in building up their Navy?

Open Ended

What beliefs did some prominent Americans have that would encourage the idea to expand?

Domestic Beliefs

-Social Darwinism: the belief that life consists of competitive struggles in which
only the fittest survive.

-Some Prominent Americans embraced these ideas and proclaimed that if the United States
remained isolated that the United States would not survive.

-Americans embraced social darwinism because they believed that God had
granted them the right and responsibility to settle the frontier.

-EX: Manifest Destiny; to spread western values, Missionary work

Early cases of Imperialism

Matthew Perry: sailed to Japan with his steamships
and forced a treaty that opened trade between Japan
and America

Klondike Gold Rush: Secretary of State William
Seward purchased Alaska from Russia. The
discovery of gold led to the development of new
towns

Latin America: Business leaders saw this as a natural
place to expand their trade and investments.
Construction of the Pan-American highway system
(linked the United States to Central America.

Historical Context In a Nutshell

There were three major Reasons for America adopting the policy of Imperialism

1.)

To strengthen the Economy: investing in foreign markets, opening new
markets

2.)

To Protect American Interests: Modernizing and strengthening the Navy with
Steam-powered vessels

3.)

Express Nationalism: Spreading American Culture, Spreading Christianity.