Imperialism and Nationalism

• Stronger nations attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nations—economically, politically, culturally, or militarily

• Devotion to one’s nation suggesting that a nation’s people believe themselves, their ideals, and goals to be superior to those of other nations.

Chapter 10

Becoming a World Power

The Big Idea…

As European imperialism reached new heights in the late 1800s, the United States began to

join the search for power and influence abroad.

Senator Henry Cabot Lodge to Congress

“Small States are of the past and have no future. The modern movement is all toward the

concentration of people and territory into great nations and large dominions. The great nations are rapidly absorbing for their future expansion and their present defence all the

waste places of the earth….As one of the great nations of the world, the United States must

not fall out of the line of march.”

The Pressure to Expand In the late 1800s and early 1900s, European Imperialism reached its peak as

stronger nations colonized and dominated weaker nations. Economic, nationalistic, military, and humanitarian factors led to the growth of imperialism. The growth of ECONOMIC…industries created an increased need for natural resources. The European spirit of NATIONALISM, the belief that one nation’s goals are superior to those of other nations, caused nations to want to protect their interests. Advances in MILITARY technology caused Europe to have armies and navies far superior to those in Africa and Asia. HUMANITARIANS believed they had a duty to spread the blessings of Western civilization across the globe. Recalling its ideas of Manifest Destiny, the United States joined European nations in expanding outward, purchasing Alaska in 1867. Americans convinced Japan to establish trade relations, and signed several treaties with China. Americans also annexed the Midway Islands in 1867. Arguments for expansion included obtaining new markets, protecting investments overseas, rekindling America’s pioneer spirit that was lost with the closing of the frontier, and bringing civilization to people around the world. American foreign policy had begun.

Growth of Imperialism

• By the twentieth century, European countries control much of Africa and Asia.

• This imperialism is the result of a need for more natural resources, the rise of nationalism, advances in military technology, and a belief that it is the duty of Europeans to spread Western civilization.

Expanding U.S. Interests

• Although the United States generally avoids involvement in foreign affairs in the 1800s, William Seward purchases Alaska from Russia in 1867.

• By 1870 President Grant announces that the Monroe Doctrine would protect the Caribbean Islands and Latin America form transfer to a European power.

Arguments for U.S. Expansion1. By the late 1800s the United States is producing more than it can

consume, causing financial panics, and many American business leaders argue for expansion in international markets.

2. Other business leaders invest in the economics of foreign nations, particularly in Central America, setting up what become known as banana republics.

3. Another factor in the United States decision to expand is preservation of the American spirit

4. Some Americans see expansion as a way to revitalize the pioneer spirit, while social Darwinists believe that expansionism is both the nation’s destiny and a noble pursuit.

5. Growing interest in foreign expansion helps lead to rebuilding the U.S. Navy.

6. By 1900 the United States has one of the most powerful navies in the world.

Why Imperialism Developed

• Economic Factor– Manufacturing nations

need more natural resources and markets

• Nationalist Factor– Nationalism drives

countries to compete for new colonies

• Military Factor– Growing navies need

new naval bases worldwide

• Humanitarian Factor– Westerners believed in

spreading Western ideas and Christianity.

District Objectives• US.4 The Development of the United States in

the last half of the 19th Century.

…Students are able to…

• 4.4 Identify the main reasons for greater U.S. involvement in world affairs.– Describing the reasons for American Imperialism