U.S. Imperialism and Global Expansion in the 1800s

Who was Commodore Matthew Perry?

A naval officer who opened access to Japanese markets, expanding U.S. power abroad.

What major shift occurred in American foreign policy in the late 1800s?

The United States began to abandon isolationism and sought to acquire influence and territories outside its borders.

What was the Age of Imperialism?

A period from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s when powerful nations extended their influence across the world.

What is imperialism?

The policy by which strong nations extend their political, military, and economic control over weaker territories.

What were extractive economies?

Colonial economies where the imperial country extracted raw materials from the colony for its own industries.

What economic issue did Americans face in the late 1800s?

A surplus of goods produced that exceeded domestic consumption, leading to calls for new overseas markets.

Who was Alfred T. Mahan?

A military historian and officer who argued for the importance of a strong navy and control of the seas for national success.

What did Mahan advocate for the United States?

The building of a modern fleet and acquiring foreign bases for naval operations.

What was the significance of the USS Maine?

A battleship that played a crucial role in U.S. naval operations during the late 1800s.

What is Social Darwinism?

The belief that certain nations and races are superior and destined to rule over others, used to justify imperialism.

What was 'Manifest Destiny'?

The belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent to the Pacific Ocean.

Who was Josiah Strong?

A religious missionary who argued that Americans had a duty to civilize weaker races and spread Christianity.

What role did missionaries play in American expansionism?

They sought to gain converts to Christianity, linking their work to the concept of U.S. territorial expansion.

What was Frederick Jackson Turner's view on the frontier?

He noted that the closing of the frontier in the 19th century limited opportunities for Americans to pursue fortunes.

What was the impact of American industrial growth on foreign policy?

The booming economy led to a push for new markets to sell surplus goods, influencing expansionist policies.

What did Senator Albert J. Beveridge argue for in 1898?

He argued that the U.S. needed to find new markets for its surplus goods to prevent economic decline.

How did the United States compare to European powers in terms of resource concerns?

Unlike European powers, the U.S. had fewer concerns about shortages of raw materials due to its resource-rich economy.

What was the role of naval strength in U.S. expansionism?

A strong navy was seen as vital for protecting U.S. interests and facilitating overseas expansion.

What was the significance of the U.S. naval build-up by 1900?

The United States had the third-largest navy in the world, reflecting its growing military power.

What were the motivations behind U.S. imperialism?

Economic interests, military strategy, and a belief in cultural superiority drove U.S. expansionist policies.

What was the relationship between industrialists and expansionism?

Industrialists pushed for expansion to secure new markets for their products and prevent factory closures.

What was the American perspective on global competition during the Age of Imperialism?

Americans felt pressured to compete with European nations in acquiring colonies to ensure national survival.

What did the term 'new markets' refer to in the context of American expansion?

New overseas markets where American goods could be sold to alleviate domestic surplus.

How did the U.S. military strategy evolve during this period?

The U.S. focused on building a modern navy and establishing bases to protect its interests globally.

What was the impact of Social Darwinism on American foreign policy?

It justified imperialism by promoting the idea that stronger nations had a right to dominate weaker ones.

What was the significance of acquiring Hawaii for the United States?

Hawaii's acquisition marked a significant step in U.S. territorial expansion and influence in the Pacific.

What was the purpose of America's expansion in the mid-1800s?

To expand trade and acquire new territories.

What significant event occurred in 1867 regarding Alaska?

Secretary of State William Seward bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.

How did journalists refer to Seward's purchase of Alaska?

They called it 'Seward's Folly' and 'Seward's Icebox.'

What natural resources were found in Alaska after its purchase?

Timber, oil, and other natural resources.

What was the Klondike Gold Rush?

A gold rush sparked by discoveries in Alaska, leading to the development of new towns.

What did Perry's arrival in Japan signify?

It marked the beginning of American expansionism in the Pacific.

What was the outcome of the First International Pan-American Conference in 1889?

It promoted economic cooperation among 17 Latin American countries.

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

A U.S. policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas.

What led to tensions between the U.S. and Great Britain in 1895?

A border dispute between British Guiana and Venezuela.

What was the significance of the acquisition of Hawaii?

Hawaii was economically linked to the U.S. and was annexed after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.

Who was Queen Liliuokalani?

The last reigning monarch of Hawaii who resisted the influence of American planters.

What did American planters do to influence Hawaiian politics?

They amended Hawaii's constitution to limit voting rights to wealthy landowners.

What was the role of Sanford B. Dole in Hawaii's annexation?

He led the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and became Hawaii's first governor after annexation.

What was President Cleveland's response to the annexation of Hawaii?

He ordered an investigation and refused to sign the annexation treaty, apologizing for the wrong done.

What was the outcome of the Spanish-American War for Hawaii?

Hawaii was proclaimed an official U.S. territory after the war.

What was the impact of the U.S. tariff law on Hawaiian sugar?

It imposed duties on Hawaiian sugar, making it more expensive and decreasing sales.

What was the significance of the Pan-American Highway system?

It linked the United States to Central and South America, promoting trade.

How did American sentiment towards annexation of Hawaii change after Cleveland's presidency?

Support for annexation remained strong, especially among West Coast business interests.

What was the American view of expansionism during the late 1800s?

Many saw it as a way to maintain economic growth and avoid internal conflict.

What was the role of American missionaries in Hawaii?

They established churches and schools, contributing to American influence on the islands.

What was the significance of the Klondike Gold Rush for American expansion?

It highlighted the economic opportunities in the newly acquired territories.

What were the geographical challenges faced during the Klondike Gold Rush?

Sparse settlement, lack of transportation routes, and a frigid climate.

What was the relationship between American planters and the Hawaiian monarchy?

Planters sought to increase their power, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy.

What did President McKinley's administration favor regarding Hawaii?

It favored the annexation of Hawaii, which was achieved in 1898.