American Imperialism

What is Imperialism?

Imperialism is a policy of extending control or authority over foreign entities, either through direct territorial conquest or through indirect methods of exerting control on the politics and/or economy of other countries.

Taken from "Instances of the Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad 1798-1945"

Total of 103 instances of military involvement 1798-1895 Sampling:

1852-53 -- Argentina -- Marines were landed and maintained in Buenos Aires to protect American interests during a revolution. 1853 -- Nicaragua -- to protect American lives and interests during political disturbances. 1853-54 -- Japan -- The "Opening of Japan" and the Perry Expedition. [The State Department does not give more details, but this involved the use of warships to force Japan to open its ports to the United States]1853-54 -- Ryukyu and Bonin Islands -- Commodore Perry on three visits before going to Japan and while waiting for a reply from Japan made a naval demonstration, landing marines twice, and secured a coaling concession from the ruler of Naha on Okinawa. He also demonstrated in the Bonin Islands. All to secure facilities for commerce.1854 -- Nicaragua -- San Juan del Norte [Greytown was destroyed to avenge an insult to the American Minister to Nicaragua.]1855 -- Uruguay -- U.S. and European naval forces landed to protect American interests during an attempted revolution in Montevideo.1859 -- China -- For the protection of American interests in Shanghai.1860 -- Angola, Portuguese West Africa -- To protect American lives and property at Kissembo when the natives became troublesome.1893 -- Hawaii -- Ostensibly to protect American lives and property; actually to promote a provisional government under Sanford B. Dole This action was disavowed by the United States.1894 -- Nicaragua -- To protect American interests at Bluefields following a revolution.

Seward, Alaska, and the French in Mexico

William Seward

(R-NY) Leader of 50s and 60s, Secretary of State under Lincoln and Johnson

One of the most accomplished Sec. States

Prevented GB and France from helping Confederates

Annexed Midway IslandCanal rights in Nicaragua

French in Mexico

Napoleon III sends troops to Mexico during Civil War

Monroe Doctrine intervenes

French leave

Purchase of Alaska

Russia and GB both held claims to AK

Russia assumed control Economic Burden

Seward convinced Congress to purchase for $7.2 million 375 million acres: 1.92 cents/acre Louisiana Purchase

524.8 million acres: 2.8 cents/acre

Called “Seward’s Folly”, “Seward’s Icebox”

The “New Imperialism”

Needs

Industrialization needs new markets and sources of raw materials

Drew focus away from labor disputes and farmer unrest

International Darwinism

Survival of the fittest applied to nations U.S. must be strong religiously, militarily, and

politicallyDemonstrate strength by acquiring territory

Imperialism

Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, Portugal, Holland, Belgium all over the world. (Focus on Africa)

Imperialism

Advocated by: Missionaries – Anglo Saxon culture and Christianity must be

spread to less fortunate's Religious leaders encouraged Americans to support government

involvement overseas Politicians

Republicans had a close alliance with business leaders who needed the markets/materials

Naval Power Alfred T. Mahan – “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History” Strategists persuade Congress to finance modern Navy and

encourage acquisition of coaling stations 3rd Largest Navy in the world by 1900

Popular Press Editors of magazines and newspapers could increase circulation

by printing “adventure” stories

Latin America

Secretary of State James Blaine Reps create an organization for cooperation on trade

and other issues Pan-American Union becomes Organization of American

States in 1948

Cleveland and the Monroe Doctrine U.S. arbitrates a dispute between Venezuela and

British territory of Guiana Ruled in favor of Britain Beginning of U.S./British friendship