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U.S. Imperialism. Bell Ringer. What are some reasons that countries might have for taking control of other countries?. Imperialism. Imperialism – one country exerting control over another country through political or military force Example: British Empire
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Bell Ringer • What are some reasons that countries might have for taking control of other countries?
Imperialism • Imperialism – one country exerting control over another country through political or military force • Example: British Empire • Distinction between colonialism and imperialism: • Colonialism – People from “mother country” settle in colonized country, live among colonized people • Imperialism – People from imperializing country don’t necessarily need to settle in imperialized country; important aspect is CONTROL over imperialized country
Background • Monroe Doctrine • U.S. would take care of all issues in the Western hemisphere • Manifest Destiny • Americans should continue expanding • At this point, Americans occupied all of what is now the continental U.S. • Industrialization • American factories were producing more than Americans could consume • Need for raw materials
Why would Americans want an empire? • Monroe Doctrine • Need for new markets • Need for raw materials • Keep up with Europeans • “Civilize” the rest of the world • The White Man’s Burden
Why would Americans be against a U.S. empire? • U.S. should focus on its own problems • Might end up in war while defending imperial holdings • Costs money, lives • Hypocrisy • Ideals of democracy, self-determination • U.S.’s own history as a colony
Is the U.S. imperialist today? • Cultural imperialism • U.S. dominates media around the world, spreads ideas/culture • Some people maintain that this establishes an unequal power balance with many developing countries and the U.S.
Exit Slip • Should the U.S. have imperialized other countries during the late-1800s/early-1900s? Why or why not? • What might have been the consequences of building an American empire, both for the U.S. and the countries it imperialized?