ImperialismU.S. History

Definition of Imperialism Imperialism

occurs when a strong nation takes over a weaker nation or region and dominates its economic, political, and/or cultural life.

Age of ImperialismThe Age of

Imperialism was roughly the mid-1800s to early-1900s

European nations sought to gain new colonies and the United States eventually followed.

Imperialists used ideas of racial, national and cultural superiority to justify their actions

Causes of ImperialismEconomic Motives

The Industrial Revolution created a demand for raw materials and new markets

Nationalism Extreme pride in one’s country, nations wanted

to demonstrate their power to the rest of the world

Causes of ImperialismBalance of Power

Nations needed to acquire colonies in order to compete with their neighbors

White Man’s Burden European sense of

superiority made them feel obligated to “civilize the heathen savages” they encountered.

Imperialism in AmericaAmerica was

“discovered” by Europeans who were practicing an early form of imperialism.

Expansionism In the early 19th

century, Americans began to expand west.

Much of the land west of the Mississippi River was either undeveloped or under Spanish control.

Imperialism in AmericaManifest Destiny

Term used to describe United States expansion west.

During the 19th century the term “manifest destiny” was used to justify the annexation of Texas, Oregon, New Mexico and California.

American EmpireMonroe Doctrine

Policy stating that European nations may not seek colonies in the western hemisphere.

Latin America resented the “big brother” behavior of the United States.

American EmpireDuring the Age of

Imperialism, the U.S. sought control of territories in the Pacific and Latin America.

American Imperialism Today

Today some feel the U.S. foreign policy is based upon imperialistic ideas

Today the United States has military bases in 36 different countries

The U.S. has also sought to control weaker nations economically. Making weak

nations dependent on the U.S.