Imperialism and World War I

U.S. IMPERIALISM AND WWI

THE U.S. AND THE AGE OF

IMPERIALISM

1.

Explain what the cartoonists is “saying” in this picture.

2.

Who do you think “tween America” is supposed to be?

I. WHAT IS IMPERIALISM

Intro: It’s when a country extends its power
and/or authority over other lands and
territories.

II. History of U.S. Imperialism

A. Washington was an isolationist, and
warned against alliances.

1. What is isolationism?
2. Why do you think Washington discouraged alliances?

B. Monroe Doctrine-1823: U.S. told Europe that the
Americas were closed to any further colonization!

C. This set the stage for the U.S. to become the
protector of the Americas.

Multiple Choice

What role is the U.S. taking on with the Monroe Doctrine?

• As equals amongst the Western Hemisphere nations

• Taking on a leadership role in the Western Hemisphere

III. Imperialist vs. Anti-Imperialist

(To imperialize or not to imperialize…that is the question!)
A. Imperialist

1. the U.S. had to grow
2. Anglo-Saxon mission to civilize

the people of Africa, Asia and Latin
America

B. Anti-Imperialist

1. The U.S. is being hypocritical.
2. The U.S. est. on foundation of self-gov.,

yet we were denying others the same
right.

**What is the irony being pointed out by the cartoonist?**

IV. Reasons for U.S. Imperialism
(imperialism in general)

A. FOR ECONOMIC PURPOSES

1. The need for natural resources

due to the Industrial Rev.

2. To expand trade and the economy

B. FOR MILITARY REASONS

1. Alfred T. Mahan wrote The Influence Of Sea Power Upon History.

2. Advised the U.S. to acquire distant
shores for:

** naval bases and refueling stations
** National security

C. For humanitarian purposes

1. Many Americans felt that is was
their moral duty to spread Christianity.

**Cite two examples of Christians forcing their religion on certain
demographics of people.**

D. For nationalistic reasons

1. Nationalism: devotion to one’s nation,

and our belief that our way is the right
way.

What is Jingoism?

The term nationalism has fallen out of favor
over the past few years...why do you think that
is?

Justification of Imperialism?

What are the two depictions shown on this slide?

V. The U.S. Expands

1. 1867 the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia

for $7.2 million.

Sec. of State
Seward-took much
flak about the
purchase, which was
called Seward's Folley
and Seward's Icebox.
Did it prove to be a
good purchase?
Explain.

2. January of 1959 Alaska becomes the
49th state.

What do the indigenous people of Alaska prefer to be referred
as?

3. Samoa: Treaty of Berlin 1899, divided
Samoa into:

* Eastern Samoa - U.S.
** Western Samoa - Germany.