American History Chapter 17-1
The Lure of Imperialism
The Fruits of Imperialism
To Expand or Not to Expand…?
• Imperialism: Efforts by a nation to expand its control
over other lands.
• Why was the U.S. interested?
– Industrialized nations need customers & natural resources.
– Navies need fueling & repair stations.
– Ideology: Nationalism & cultural superiority.
• Social Darwinism encouraged superiority.
• Spread Christianity & democratic values.
– Compete with other world powers.
World Competition
Late 1800s:
Britain ruled ¼
of the world’s
land & people.
Hawaii
• Expansionists sought U.S. control of Hawaii.
– Ideal fueling spot & naval base.
– U.S. missionaries & traders were already established.
– Sugarcane & pineapple in high demand.
• King Kalakaua, forced to sign the bayonet constitution. 1887
– Gave Pearl Harbor to the U.S.
– American businessmen had political power.
• Queen Liliuokalani tried to regain power in 1893.
– U.S. Marines landed and deposed the queen.
• The Republic of Hawaii was created with Sanford Dole as pres.
– Pres. McKinley & Congress annexed HI in 1898.
China
• Trade in China was appealing to foreign countries.
– Spheres of influence: Outside nations exert economic or
political control over a specific geographical area.
• The U.S. promoted an Open Door Policy in China.
– Give all nations equal trading rights in China.
– U.S. sent notes to other nations suggesting the policy.
• China reacted: Boxer Rebellion
– Secret group: Society of Righteous & Harmonious Fists or
Boxers attacked foreigners.
– Unified the foreigners into supporting the Open Door Policy.
Japan
• 1853 President Fillmore sent a fleet of warships to
Japan.
• 1907 President Roosevelt sent the Great White Fleet
to Japan – probably to impress & intimidate.
• Russo – Japanese War: Russia fighting Japan for
control of Korea and Manchuria.
– Japan asked Pres. Roosevelt to help negotiate peace.
– Japanese & Russian leaders met with Roosevelt in NH.
• Agreed on the Portsmouth Treaty, ending the war.
• President Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
Portsmouth Meeting
Japanese
delegates
Russian
delegates
Roosevelt
Ever Just Feel A Bit
Overwhelmed?
Things Could Be Worse.