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Imperialistic Impulses - An Empire Beyond the Seas

Page history last edited by Mr. Hengsterman 4 years, 1 month ago

 

 

 An Empire for Liberty: Roots of American Imperialism [1867 to 1898]

Ever since the 1790’s, U.S. foreign policy had been centered on expanding westward, protecting U.S. interests abroad,
and limiting foreign influences in the Americas.  The booming post civil war economy created the basis for a major shift in U.S relations with the rest of the world

 

 

 


 

 

 


The United States goes from looking INWARD to looking OUTWARD.  This includes a national conversation concerning ideas and opinions that will impact the United States other countries.

Imperialism integrates nicely into our recently explored topics and themes

1. Industrialization and economic transformation (Age of industry)

 

2. Issues of Race and how it structures perceptions and policy (immigration)

 

3. The power of ideas  (Social thought in the Gilded Age)  

 

 

All of theses threads feed into a transformative event – an old fashion exploration of history  - the Spanish American War (1898). 


 

 

 

Historical Imperialistic Impulses  [Expansion Timeline

The United States is beginning the transformation from a locally concerned smaller nation (looking inward) to a larger nation on the verge of becoming a world power (looking outward).  U.S. should be expanding abroad and using its economic strengths and growing population to foster this expansion. 

 

 

Who is promoting the idea of global expansion?

Elites (intellectuals, writers, businessmen with trade connections, and politicians) 

 

Why are elites promoting the idea global expansion?

Most Americans are narrowly focused on domestic concerns because they lack foreign travel experience or aren’t interested. 

 

However, when this small segment of the population begins to look outward it gains a lot of support

 

Why does this idea gain momentum?

The adventure and glamorization around the idea of empire building gives this idea momentum

 

 

 

Imperialism...  a RIPE idea

a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

 

1876  William Seward is the first to pursue policy of “imperialism” with his acquisition of the Midway Islands and his purchase of Alaska. Alaska became known as “Seward’s” folly, later a mineral rich and strategically important piece of real estate

 

1890’s Remember Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis?  The census of 1890’s determines the frontier is now closed.  We have always had a frontier to expand and provide an outlet for expansion and expression.  Result – discussion about pursing land and territories beyond our borders

 



 

An Empire for Liberty: Roots of American Imperialism

The booming post-civil war economy created the basis for 
a major shift in U.S relations with the rest of the world

 

http://americancanvas.pbworks.com/w/page/132206508/An%20Empire%20for%20Liberty


 

The Influence of Sea Power on U.S. History (1890) by Alfred T. Mahan
One of the most influential public policy books ever published. Mahan’s book impacts intellectuals and elites concerned about expansion and economic development. Navy power is at the center of national success.

 

This becomes a source of nationalistic pride – it’s is right and proper to have a strong Navy!!  Mahan links nationalistic feelings with economic issues.  He book is published when the US is experience recurring crises and financial depressions (Panic of 1893). 

 

Conclusion:  Foreign markets and strong Navy could be the key to helping us out of depressions. Mahan analyzed the role a Navy played in history. He determined the US needed to look beyond its borders and have a strong Navy to protect its economic interests. 

 

 Nice summary of Mahan's Influence (7 minutes) 

 

Navy power is at the center of National success. This becomes a source of nationalistic pride – its is right and proper to have a strong Navy!!

 

This issue LINKS nationalistic feelings with economic issues.  The book is published when the US is experience recurring crises and financial depressions (Panic of 1893). Translation?  Foreign markets and strong Navy could be the key to helping us out of depressions.

 

The US has already started to rebuild the Navy with steel changing the outer structure of ships.

 

this starts a global arms race and leads to competition (Think WWI)

Building a Navy becomes a national priority

Evidence: 1870 4,000 enlisted by 1890 10,000 enlisted

 


Review the causes of the Spanish American War herehttp://youtu.be/IU5l4yQCpMM (8 minutes)

 

 

 

 

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