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The Roots of Imperialism Chapter 18 Section 1

Discover the causes and effects of American imperialism as it emerged in the late 1800s, driven by a need for markets, military strength, and a sense of national superiority. Explore how Social Darwinism influenced imperialist actions, leading to the acquisition of territories like Alaska and Hawaii, expanding the U.S. influence beyond its borders. Learn how key events, such as the annexation of Hawaii and Alaska, shaped the U.S.'s role in world affairs during the Age of Imperialism.

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The Roots of Imperialism Chapter 18 Section 1

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  1. The Roots of ImperialismChapter 18 Section 1

  2. The Causes for Imperialism • A need and want for markets and raw materials • Military Strength • Prestige - National Superiority

  3. How and why did the United States take a more active role in world affairs? For most of its early history, the United States played a small role in world affairs. But in the late 1800s, some began calling for the United States to join the ranks of the world’s major powers. Eventually, the United States abandoned isolationism and began to acquire influence and territories outside its continental borders.

  4. The mid-1800s through the early 1900s was an “Age of Imperialism.” • Powerful European nations extended their political, economic, and military influence by adding colonies in Africa and Asia. • Meanwhile, the United States and Japan considered the benefits and implemented similar imperialist policies.

  5. Imperialists justified their actions based on beliefs about their own racial, national, and cultural superiority. Social Darwinism was the belief that life consists of competitive struggles in which only the fittest survive. Social Darwinists felt that certain nations and races were superior to others and were therefore destined to rule over the inferior people. Americans embraced Social Darwinism because they had long believed that God had granted them the right to settle the frontier. They spoke of their “Manifest Destiny.”

  6. In 1867, Secretary of State William Seward purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. • Critics mocked “Seward’s Icebox” and “Seward’s Folly” as a far off and useless frozen tundra. • But valuable resources, including timber, and oil, were found. • Alaska also doubled America’s territory.

  7. In 1898, Congress voted to annex Hawaii. • In the 1790s, Americans planters established sugar cane plantationsin Hawaii. • In 1887, these planters gained control of the governmentfrom King Kalakaua. • In 1891 the king died and his sister became Queen Liliuokalani. She resented the power of the white minority and abolished the constitution that had given them political power. • In 1893, with the help of U.S. Marines, the Queen was dethroned. • In 1897, President McKinley backed annexation when he took office.

  8. The United States expanded overseas after 1850.

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