Debates about American Imperalism 7.2

apus

Imperialism

The expansion of one country’s political, economic, and military influence over another country.

Who pushed to buy alaska in 1868

William Seward (Seward’s folly)

Imperialists

• saw the gold found in Alaska to be a sign to further expand the empire

• wanted new markets for american goods

• justified expansions with Social Darwinism

Josiah Strong - “Our Country: It’s possible future and present crisis”

argued that white anglo-saxon race was superior, so it was christian duty to spread

Alfred Thayer Mahan - “The influence of sea power on history”

argued that a strong navy was the only way to secure foreign markets, so you needed a lot of land across the world to refuel ships

anti-imperialism

• self-determination is best

• would get tangled into foreign affairs

• Constitution should follow the flag (racism)