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THE AGE OF�U.S. IMPERIALISM

  • “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”

- T. Roosevelt

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IMPERIALISM - definitions

  • 1. Imperialism = the quest to build up a

territorial empire.

  • 2. Imperialism = control by powerful nation(s) over a less advanced or less civilized area.

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POWERFUL NATION

  • USUALLY CHARACTERIZED BY
  • Advanced Economy (Industrial)
  • Strong Government
  • Considerable

Military Strength

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The “Less Advanced” Area

  • CHARACTERIZED BY
  • Primitive economy (pre-industrial)
  • Underdeveloped natural resources
  • Weak government
  • Limited military power

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*Imperialism has also been called Colonialism

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BACKGROUND - Imperialism

  • US. Imperialism – response to European Imperialism
  • 1. Fundamental Cause: Industrial Revolution

Industrialized nations desired colonies to provide:

  • a) cheap supply of raw materials
  • b) a market for the mother country’s goods
  • c) large profits w/ minimum risk on investment of

SURPLUS CAPITAL

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BACKGROUND - Imperialism

  • US. Imperialism – response to European Imperialism

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2. Other Causes:

  • Used NATIONALIST arguments to gain support for EMPIRE BUILDING.
  • a) gain glory & achieve a “place in the Sun”
  • b) secure essential military bases & war materials
  • c) provide an outlet for surplus population
  • d) provide safety - missionaries spread Christianity
  • e) bring to the backward areas the “blessings of the civilized culture” of the West [Europe & USA]

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Roosevelt Corollary

  • USA will use military to

enforce the Monroe

Doctrine (Europe

should stay out of

North and South

America)

  • Claimed right

to “police” the

W. Hemisphere

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“Yellow Journalism”

  • A. William Randolph Hearst – NY Journal
  • B. Joseph Pulitzer – New York World
  • C. Both newspapers sought to increase

circulation by sensationalized and exaggerated news stories.

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Sinking of the Maine – Feb 1898

  • A. American battleship visiting Cuba blown up
  • 260 Americans killed
  • B. Cause: probably fire in a coal bin
  • C. But, American public goaded on by the

Yellow Press – blames SPAIN

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Terms - Treaty of Paris - 1898

  • Spain agreed to
  • 1) CUBAN independence
  • 2) Puerto Rico and Guam “given” to USA
  • 3) Philippines sold to USA for $20 Million

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PANAMA

  • Originally part of Columbia
  • Broke away with help of USA’s navy
  • Gave USA permission to build canal

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The PANAMA CANAL - 1914

  • Reduced NY – San Francisco trip over 50%
  • From 13,000 miles to 5,200 miles