Reasons why the US Became an
Imperial Power
Mr. Ferbert
US II – Chapter 18(1)
What is Imperialism?
• Imperialism is the policy in which stronger
nations extend their economic, political,
and/or military control over weaker nations
• Imperialism most often results in the stronger
nation establishing a colony in the weaker
nation to maintain its control
• European countries, by the late 19th century,
had established colonies on the following
continents: Africa, Asia, South and Central
America
US Tradition of Expansionism
• The US had a tradition of expansionism long
before it become imperialistic
• In 1803 the US purchased the Louisiana Territory from France,
doubling the size of the country
• In 1819 Spain ceded Florida to the US
• In 1823 president Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine, warning
European countries to stay out of the Western hemisphere (Latin
America) because it was our “sphere of influence”
• In the 1840s most Americans believed in the Manifest Destiny of
the US . . . that it was our destiny as a country to expand from sea
to sea
• In 1845 the US annexed Texas which at that time considered itself
independent
US Tradition of Expansionism
• In 1846 Great Britain ceded the Oregon Territory (WA, OR, ID
and part of WY) to the US
• In the treaty that ended the US-Mexican War (1846-48) the
US paid Mexico $15 million (about $350 million today) for the
Mexican Cession – CA, NV, UT and parts of CO, NM, AZ & WY
• In 1853 the US purchased the southern parts of AZ and NM
from Mexico for $10m
• In 1867 the US purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million .
. . Most Americans thought it was a bad deal (boy were they
wrong!!)
• In 1867 the US annexed the Midway Islands in the Pacific (two
small atolls)
Key Factors that Fueled the
New American Imperialism
1. Thirst for new markets to sell US goods
2. Desire for military strength to compete with,
and gain the respect of, other world powers
3. Belief in our cultural superiority (Social
Darwinism) and the benefits it could bring to
less civilized people
4. Desire for a new frontier to settle in order to
maintain America’s identity and prosperity
US Imperialism
Economic Reason
• Late 19th century advances in technology enabled
American farms and factories to produce far more than
American citizens could consume
– The US had suffered a depression in 1893 – unemployment
was high and farmers were suffering greatly from
overproduction, under consumption and low prices
• Overseas territories would provide the US with access
to cheap raw materials it could use to fuel its factories
to recapture its prosperity
• Overseas territories would provide US businesses and
farmers access to new markets (places) to sell their
surplus (extra) goods leading to higher prices, more
profits and more jobs (A STRONG ECONOMY!)
Military/Political Reasons
• If the US was to become a respected and influential
world power (like Great Britain and France) it too
would need to establish a global military presence
and acquire overseas territories
• American leaders, like TR and Alfred T. Mahan of the
US Navy, urged government officials to build up the
U.S. Navy in order to complete with other powerful
nations and extend its influence globally
– Overseas territories needed to support the new navy
(coaling stations, repairs, military bases)
– Navy needed to protect new territories and merchant
ships trading near new territories
Cultural Reasons
• Some Americans combined the philosophy of Social Darwinism – a belief
that the strongest economic nations would “survive and thrive” in a global
free market – along with a belief in the racial superiority of Anglo-Saxons
(white Americans of Northern & Western European descent) – to justify
American Imperialism
• How Social Darwinism was used to justify overseas expansion:
– Each race has a distinct mission and place in God’s plan. It is God’s
plan that English speaking Anglo-Saxons rule the world and uplift
inferior races (in Africa and Asia in particular)
– The United States, a primarily Anglo-Saxon culture, had a
responsibility to spread Christianity and “civilization” the worlds
“inferior peoples/races” around the world.
– US imperialism would provide the perfect opportunity to fulfill this
responsibility while at the same time strengthen our economy
Cultural Reasons
• Overseas territories would provide the US
with a new frontier to settle, explore and
exploit - which was essential in order too . . .
– Continue to be prosperous ( as they would provide new
land to settle and natural resources to use)
– Maintain our democratic values of equality, bravery,
ingenuity, individualism and patriotism
– Remain a great independent nation
– Continue to have an outlet for the restless elements of
American society