The Pros and Cons of Imperialism At the Turn of the 20 th Century

1. The Pros and Cons of ImperialismAt the Turn of the 20th Century US History I Unit 2

2. Reasons for the US to Expand Overseas: • The US needed to continue its frontier experience overseas • Continental frontier was not longer adequate for the population. • US needed “elbow room”

3. Reasons for (continued) • US belief in cultural superiority • Race, values, religion, and economics • Goal was to civilize the world • Helping “lesser peoples” **Ethnocentrism**

4. Reasons for (continued) • Imperialism was the product of strains in US society due to industrialization • Increase in productivity=need for new markets to expand into • US needs more natural resources

5. Reasons for (continued) • Social Darwinism was a prominent belief • People believed that “survival of the fittest” applied to people AND nations

6. Anti-Imperialism Arguments • Goes against beliefs of Christianity to force people to “follow suit” (most Americans were Christians at this time) • Imperialism is undemocratic • US does not have the military capabilities to protect an overseas empire

7. Anti-Imperialism (continued) • Stay out of European affairs • Use the two oceans to protect us • Stay isolated • Imperialism= tyranny • US was a colony of Great Britain once

8. Anti-Imperialism (continued) • There is no need to expand overseas • US is a vast nation • Plenty of natural resources • Plenty of markets for goods

9. Discussion Questions • How do the justifications for imperialism have their roots in the Progressive Movement? • …in the Industrial Revolution?