U.S. Expansion & Hawaii (1/7/2026)

U.S. Imperialism

The policy of expanding a nation’s power by gaining territories or influence.

Alaska Purchase

The U.S. bought Alaska from Russia under Secretary of State William Seward.

Seward’s Folly

Name given to the Alaska Purchase by critics who thought it was useless land.

Samoa Agreement

The U.S., Germany, and Great Britain agreed to divide the Samoan Islands.

American Samoa

U.S. territory in the Pacific with Pago Pago Bay, a strategic deep-water port.

Hawaiian Islands (Why it was valuable)

Pacific islands valuable to the U.S. for sugar production and location.

Missionaries in Hawaii

New England missionaries spread Christianity and American influence.

Sugar Cane Industry

Profitable Hawaiian industry due to fertile volcanic soil.

Bayonet Constitution

U.S. forces forced King Kalakaua to give up power.

Queen Liliuokalani

Last queen of Hawaii; overthrown and placed under house arrest.

Annexation of Hawaii

The U.S. officially made Hawaii a U.S. territory.