Learn: American Expansion and Imperialism

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America, mainly in the 1840s.

General Rationales for U.S. Imperialism

Search for new markets, raw materials, military bases, world influence, and racial superiority.

Alaska Purchase

Bought from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million for resources, trade, and military strategy.

Hawaii Annexation

Annexed in 1898 after American businessmen helped overthrow Queen Liliuokalani in 1893.

Spanish-American War

Fought in 1898 over Cuba; U.S. gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Open Door Policy

U.S. policy in 1899-1900 calling for equal trading opportunities in China.

Panama Canal

Built from 1904 to 1914 to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and speed up shipping.

Racism and Social Darwinism (Imperialism)

Belief that Anglo-Saxons were racially superior to dominate and stabilize other peoples.

Righteousness (Imperialism)

The conviction to aggressively spread Christianity and American culture abroad.

Mahanism

Alfred Thayer Mahan's idea that U.S. security required a strong navy and expansion.

Economic Rationale for Imperialism

Belief that American prosperity depended on acquiring foreign markets, raw materials, and investments.