Imperialism

Expansionism

A country wanting to grow bigger and control more areas

Isolationism

A country that chooses to stay out of other countries problems and not get involved in wars, fights, or big decisions happening around the world

Imperialists

people or countries who believe that their nations should gain power by controlling other places

Arguments for Imperialism

more power, more money and resources, spreading cultures + ideas, military bases

Arguments against Imperialism

unfair + immoral (wrong to take control of other people’s land + freedom), hurts the people being taken over, expensive, causes conflicts + wars

Dollars

access to new resources + raw materials, access to new markets for trade

Defense

expanding a nations military presence, establishing new military bases around world

Duty

perceived responsibility to “civilize”, christianize, Americanize, and educate “uncivilized” people + world

Destiny

god supports American overseas expansion b/c the US is a uniquely great nation. belief that “God’s on our side”

Diplomacy

when countries talk, negotiate, and work together peacefully to solve problems instead of fighting