The Age of ImperialismAmerica looks to the world

Focus Question:

In a short response of 1 to 2 sentences, reply to the following prompt:

• Explain what you like and what you do not like about the homework assigned in class.

Objectives

After today’s lesson, you will:• Discuss the rationale for seeking territory

overseas in the late 19th century

The Age of Empire

• Last quarter of the 19th Century was marked by Imperialism

• The Great Powers were dividing the globe between them

Would the U.S. get involved?

The U.S. Goes Forth

• The United States entered the Imperialist Race•Commerce•National Defense•National Status•Promote American Democracy

Commerce

• New Markets•U.S. production greater than U.S. demand•Role of Tariffs in International trade

• Raw Materials• Industry required certain items• Rubber• Sugar

National Defense

• U.S. coastal defense needed•U.S. merchants required protection•Unprotected merchants could bring the U.S. to war (War of 1812)

• Navy must patrol sea lanes•Required bases and coaling stations

• Theories of Alfred T. Mahan

Export Democracy

• Old theme of American exceptionalism•U.S. must serve as an example to the world•U.S. could export traditions and values

• Built on chauvinism•Anglo-Saxon Protestants superior to others• “White Man’s Burden”

• “The U.S. had a responsibility to lift up the inferior peoples”

National Stature

• United States as a Great Power•Economic Strength surpassed most•Large Territory•Psychological approach

• Generational Politics

Summary

In a short response of 1 to 2 sentences, explain which of the four main arguments for imperialism is the strongest argument.

• Arguments for Imperialism1. Commerce and trade2. National Defense3. National Status4. Export Democracy