Lesson 1: The Imperalist Vision

Warm-Up Question

Take 3-4 minutes to consider and respond: How might

economic interests influence a nation's foreign

policy? Think about how trade relationships, access to

resources, and market opportunities could shape how

countries interact with one another. Consider historical

examples from the late 1800s as well as modern

parallels.

1884: Berlin Conference begins European partition of Africa

1881: France establishes protectorate over Tunisia

1876: Britain declares Queen Victoria Empress of India

1889: US gains partial control of Samoa

Hook Activity: Imperial Powers Timeline

The Imperialist Vision

March 1, 2025

Lesson Objectives

Building Critical Understanding of American Imperialism

● We will analyze the economic, political, and ideological motivations behind American

imperialism: including the influence of competition, the pursuit of new markets, and the role of
Anglo-Saxonism and Manifest Destiny in shaping expansionist beliefs.

● We will examine the strategic and military factors driving American imperialism: focusing on

the importance of naval power, overseas investments, and the acquisition of Pacific territories for
both political and economic reasons.

The Imperialist Vision

In the late 1800s, the United States emerged as a rising

global power, driven by economic interests, military

expansion, and ideological beliefs. Following the Civil War

and western settlement, America began looking beyond

its borders, joining European powers in the age of New

Imperialism. This transformation marked a pivotal shift in

American foreign policy and global influence.

Open Ended

Explain three main factors that drove the United States to emerge as a rising global power in the late 1800s.

Understanding Imperialism

New Imperialism: Economic and Political
Control

●Strong nations exerted political control over weaker
territories

●Sought new markets for industrial goods and trade
expansion

●Secured access to vital raw materials for manufacturing

●Created investment opportunities in foreign territories

●Established colonies and protectorates for economic
dominance

●Developed strategic military and naval bases overseas

American Motivations for Expansion

Economic Drivers
Strategic Interests

●Competition with European imperial
powers intensified

●Search for new overseas markets and
resources

●Protection of American business
investments abroad

●Building modern navy to protect trade
routes

●Establishing overseas military bases and
ports

●Securing strategic locations against
European powers

Anglo-Saxonism and Manifest Destiny

John Fiske's Theory

Fiske argued that
English-speaking nations
possessed superior character
and governmental systems,
influencing American
expansionist ideology.

Religious Justification

Minister Joshua Strong
connected Anglo-Saxonism to
Christian missionary work,
promoting America's divine duty
to civilize others.

Manifest Destiny
Evolution

Anglo-Saxonism merged with
Manifest Destiny, extending the
concept of American expansion
from continental to overseas
territories.

Mid Assessment

1.Which of the following was the primary economic motivation for American imperialism in the late 19th
century?

a) Expanding territorial borders across North America

b) Accessing new markets and resources for American industries

c) Spreading democracy to underdeveloped nations

d) Establishing a global network of military bases

2.What was the role of the U.S. Navy in American imperialism during the late 19th century?

a) The U.S. Navy helped to establish peaceful trade agreements with foreign nations.

b) The U.S. Navy was used to enforce Monroe Doctrine policies and protect American interests.

c) The U.S. Navy focused solely on defending U.S. territory from foreign invasion.

d) The U.S. Navy promoted peace and diplomacy with Pacific nations through negotiation.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following was the primary economic motivation for American imperialism in the late 19th century?

• Accessing new markets and resources for American industries

• Expanding territorial borders across North America

• Spreading democracy to underdeveloped nations

• Establishing a global network of military bases

Multiple Choice

What was the role of the U.S. Navy in American imperialism during the late 19th century?

• The U.S. Navy helped to establish peaceful trade agreements with foreign nations.

• The U.S. Navy focused solely on defending U.S. territory from foreign invasion.

• The U.S. Navy was used to enforce Monroe Doctrine policies and protect American interests.

• The U.S. Navy promoted peace and diplomacy with Pacific nations through negotiation.

Building Naval Power

Captain Alfred Mahan's influential work "The Influence of

Sea Power Upon History" revolutionized American naval

strategy in 1890. He argued that national prosperity

required both a robust merchant fleet for global trade

and a powerful navy for protection. This perspective,

combined with growing European imperialism, convinced

Congress to fund the development of a modern naval

force capable of protecting American interests

worldwide.

Strengthening America's Maritime Force

Pacific Expansion Case Study: Japan

In 1852 President Millard Fillmore

ordered Perry's Black Ships

Arrive 1853 and in 1854 Japan
signed the Treaty of Kanagawa
giving the US trading rights to

two Japanese ports.

US Opened Japanese Ports to

refuel and resupply as they
crossed the Pacific because

their trade had grown.

Path to Annexation

Hawaii: A Strategic Acquisition

Economic and Strategic Importance

Hawaiian sugar plantations drove economic
ties with America, leading to the 1875 treaty
that eliminated sugar tariffs and secured
exclusive rights to Pearl Harbor.

President McKinley's administration
annexed Hawaii in 1898, establishing it as a
vital Pacific territory with Sanford B. Dole as
its first governor.

Critical Thinking Questions

●How did economic interests influence and shape American foreign policy decisions
during the 1800s?

●What role did religious beliefs and Anglo-Saxonism play in justifying American
imperialism?

●Analyze how economic, military, and ideological factors combined to drive American
expansion.

●How did American imperialism differ from European colonial approaches?

●What impact did naval power have on America's ability to pursue imperialism?

●In what ways did the acquisition of Hawaii reflect America's imperial strategy?