INTRODUCTION TO
IMPERIALISM
WHAT IS IMPERIALISM?
Empire building and expansion
 Spreading beliefs and ideals to other places
 Gaining and/or holding colonies or dependent
nations.
WHAT IS FOREIGN POLICY?
Foreign Policy: A set of goals, principles and
practices that guide a nation in its relations
with other nations.
The relationship between one nation and
another
Remember not all relationships are good 
FOREIGN POLICY: WHO DOES WHAT?
Secretary of State:
advises president or
may serve as a
representative of the
United States.
Congress: treaties
need Senate approval,
provide $$ for the
military.
PARTNER TALK
Who are some countries that the
United States has a relationship with
today?
Are the relationships good or bad?
Explain your answer.
FOREIGN POLICY: DIPLOMACY
Negotiations with other nations which
may lead to agreements or treaties.
FOREIGN POLICY: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Giving financial assistance (money) to
support friendly relations and policies of
nations that are similar to yours or that you
want to influence.
FOREIGN POLICY: ARMED FORCES
Giving military supplies or providing
troops to allies.
Threat of using force
TWO SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT
Realism
Relationship with other
nations American foreign
policy should be guided by
national self interest
(national security, increased
trade, access to overseas
resources (oil, land)
Idealism
American foreign policy
should be used to
promote America’s
founding ideals
(democracy, liberty) all
people should have a
better world.
EARLY FOREIGN POLICY
George Washington’s Farewell
Address 1796
“It is our true policy, to steer
clear of permanent alliances
with any portion of the
foreign world.”
 Stay neutral
 Stay out of other
countries affairs
GEORGE WASHINGTON SAID…
“ The great rule of conduct for us in
regard to foreign nations…to have with
them as little political connection as
possible.”
I think…
I wonder…
MONROE DOCTRINE
1817 President James Monroe faced foreign
policy challenges.
Russia controlled Alaska and began moving into
territory that was claimed by both the United
States and Great Britain.
Revolutions spreading across Latin America as
colonies rise up against their Spanish “rulers”
MONROE DOCTRINE CONTINUED…
Message to European Countries:
STOP colonizing the “American Continent”
DO NOT interfere in the Western Hemisphere
MANIFEST DESTINY
The belief held by many Americans in the mid 1800’s
that the United States was destined to spread
across the North American continent and
beyond.
 It was “obvious “to many Americans that God had
chosen them to spread “civilization”
Technology/Innovations
Christianity
Education
American Ideals
AMERICAN PAGEANT
CH. 27 EMPIRE AND EXPANSION, 1890-1909
Pg. 670 The Imperial Menu
What countries/islands is the United States going to
exert their influence according to this cartoon?
What can you infer from this cartoon? (Where are
these places located in relation to the United States?
AMERICAN PAGEANT
CH. 27 EMPIRE AND EXPANSION, 1890-1909
Pg. 673 United States Expansion, 1857-1917
What can you infer from this map? Where and how is
the United States spreading it’s empire and ideals?
Pg. 682 Uncle Sam and People from His Colonies
What does the word paternal mean?
How is the United States acting paternal toward its
colonies?