Chapter 17 - 1

American History

Ch. 17, sec. 1 The Imperialist Vision pp. 520-525

Terms

• Imperialism/New Imperialism: Refers to the economic and political domination of a strong nation over weaker nations. This period marked a shift where developed nations sought to expand their influence globally, often disregarding the sovereignty and rights of those in colonized areas. New Imperialism emphasized the acquisition of colonies for economic exploitation and strategic advantage, with countries competing for dominance in Africa and Asia.

• Protectorate: A territory or state that is technically independent but is under the control and protection of a more powerful country. Countries in a protectorate relationship often have their foreign affairs managed by the controlling nation while maintaining some localized governance. Examples include Cuba under U.S. influence after the Spanish-American War.

• Anglo-Saxonism: The belief in the superiority of Anglo-Saxon cultural traditions and peoples, often tied to the idea of a racial or national destiny. This ideology was used not only to justify imperialism but also to promote expansionist policies like Manifest Destiny, which justified the westward expansion across North America. Proponents believed that spreading Anglo-Saxon culture would lead to the uplift of "lesser" societies.

• Josiah Strong: An influential advocate of Anglo-Saxonism and a popular American minister whose writings tied Anglo-Saxonism to Christian missionary work. He believed that it was America’s duty to spread its ideals and education to "backward" nations, equating imperialism with benevolence. His book, "Our Country: Its Possible Future and Its Present Crisis," called for American expansion as a divine mission.

• Matthew C. Perry: A commodore in the United States Navy who was instrumental in opening Japan to trade. In 1853, President Pierce sent Perry on a naval expedition to Japan, which culminated in the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, reducing Japan's isolationist policies and paving the way for further American expansion in the Pacific. Perry’s visit marked a significant moment in U.S.-Japan relations, leading to increased trade and political interactions.

• Queen Liliuokalani: The last reigning queen of Hawaii, who sought to establish a new constitution to restore power back to the Hawaiian monarchy and diminish the influence of American planters. Her attempts were thwarted in 1893 when a coup, supported by the U.S. government, led to the overthrow of her rule and the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898, driven by strategic interests and economic benefits.

• Pan-Americanism/Organization of American States (OAS): A diplomatic concept promoting cooperation and collaboration among the countries of the Americas. This idea emphasizes mutual support in trade and peacekeeping efforts to create a stronger regional alliance against European imperialism. The Pan-American Conference of 1889 was a significant step in formalizing these goals.

• Alfred T. Mahan/The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783: A prominent naval officer whose writings influenced naval strategy worldwide. His theory advocated for the construction of a powerful navy, positing that national strength is directly tied to maritime dominance, leading to increased trade and military security through the establishment of overseas bases. He believed that control of the seas was essential for the success of a nation’s economic and military endeavors.

• Henry Cabot Lodge: A significant figure in American politics as a senator who advocated for the growth of the U.S. Navy and supported overseas expansion. Lodge believed that a powerful navy was essential for American prosperity and national security, pushing for increased military budgets and naval construction. He was a proponent of Mahan's ideas and worked to strengthen America's global presence.

• McKinley Tariff: Enacted in 1890, this U.S. law raised import duties significantly on foreign goods, aiming to protect American businesses from foreign competition. The Tariff had a considerable impact on Hawaii's economy, as the Hawaiian sugar industry heavily depended on tariffs for its exports to the U.S., leading to increased interest in annexation as American planters sought to avoid tariff penalties.

• James G. Blaine: Served as Secretary of State during two non-consecutive terms. Blaine was pivotal in early efforts to expand American influence in Latin America, proposing a Pan-American conference in Washington, D.C. to foster cooperation among the Americas and discussing trade agreements to strengthen ties against European interests. His policies reflected a growing belief in American exceptionalism and influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Questions

1. How did Americans’ opinions on overseas expansion begin to change in the 1800s? By the late 1800s, after the Civil War, Americans increasingly saw overseas expansion as a means to assert the nation’s power and influence on the global stage. Economic interests, fueled by the Industrial Revolution, required new markets and resources, leading to a shift in public opinion that favored expansionism.

2. Explain the theory of New Imperialism and how it was received in the U.S. and why it was adopted? New Imperialism, characterized by direct territorial acquisition, was adopted in the U.S. due to strategic interests in maintaining a competitive edge against European powers, fueled by economic desires for new markets and resources. It gained popularity through support from powerful politicians, businessmen, and military leaders who believed it was essential for national security and prosperity.

3. Explain European Imperialism in the 1800s. European Imperialism in the 1800s involved the rapid expansion of European nations into Asia and Africa, driven by a desire for resources, markets, and national prestige. The period saw the partitioning of Africa, with European powers competing aggressively for territories, often disregarding the local populations and their rights.

4. Explain how Social Darwinism and Anglo-Saxonism were related to Imperialism. Social Darwinism applied Darwin’s theories of evolution to society, purporting that stronger nations had a right to dominate weaker ones. Coupled with Anglo-Saxonism, which viewed Anglo-Saxon culture as superior, these ideologies justified imperialism as a natural and beneficial expansion of the "fittest" nations over "lesser" ones.

5. Why and when did the U.S. expand westward and what country did the U.S. open in 1852? The U.S. expanded westward primarily in the 19th century, driven by the ideology of Manifest Destiny, which held that the expansion was preordained. In 1852, the U.S. opened Japan for trade through Commodore Perry's expedition, marking a significant shift in American foreign policy toward Asia.

6. Why was the U.S. interested in Hawaii and when did the U.S. begin to get involved in Hawaii? The U.S. was interested in Hawaii for its strategic location in the Pacific and its agricultural potential, particularly sugar cultivation. American involvement began in the early 1800s and intensified in the 1870s when American planters sought annexation to avoid tariffs and secure trade benefits.

7. How did the recession in Hawaii in 1872 affect U.S. and Hawaiian relations? The recession in Hawaii in 1872 weakened the Hawaiian economy, making American control more attractive to local planters. This economic downturn led to increased American influence and eventually contributed to support for annexation as local leaders sought stability in a growing American presence.

8. How and why did Secretary of State Blaine attempt to increase American influence in Latin America? Secretary of State Blaine sought to increase American influence in Latin America through diplomacy and trade agreements, understanding that the region was vital for American economic interests and security. His proposed Pan-American conference in 1889 aimed to foster cooperation and solidify American leadership in the hemisphere.

9. Explain Alfred T. Mahan’s theory on sea power. Alfred T. Mahan posited that a nation’s greatness was inextricably linked to its naval power. He argued that establishing a strong navy and dominance over maritime trade routes was crucial for national security and global influence, laying the groundwork for significantly expanding the U.S. Navy in subsequent decades.

10. What led to the building of a strong U.S. navy in the 1800s? What was the purpose of the U.S. having a strong navy? The building of a strong U.S. Navy in the 1800s was prompted by Mahan’s theories, increased international competition, and the desire to protect American interests abroad. A formidable navy was seen as essential for projecting power, protecting trade routes, and ensuring the security of U.S. territories and overseas interests.