4

Introduction to American Imperialism

  • Focus on the standard related to foreign policy (USHC 5.1).

  • Understand the traditional American foreign policy pre-1898.

Traditional Foreign Policy

  • Prior to 1898:

    • Policy mainly characterized by non-interventionism or isolationism.

    • Key figures: Thomas Jefferson and George Washington advocated against entangling alliances.

    • Emphasis on self-focus and trade rather than international involvement.

    • Expansion driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny.

  • Historical context:

    • The U.S. was relatively small compared to its future dimensions.

    • Manifest Destiny led to territorial expansion across North America.

Post-Manifest Destiny Developments

  • Achievement of Manifest Destiny left the U.S. seeking further expansion.

  • 1867 Purchase of Alaska:

    • Considered the last available land in North America.

  • Implication of American growth mindset:

    • Characterization of Americans as driven to expand their territory.

Shift in Foreign Policy

  • Contrast in American foreign policy between the 19th and 20th centuries:

    • 19th Century:

    • Primarily isolationist and non-involvement in foreign conflicts.

    • Neutrality as defined by George Washington to avoid conflicts.

    • 20th Century:

    • Transition to interventionism to promote national interests.

Motivations for Imperialism

  • Identified motivations for American imperialism based on curriculum:

    1. Social Darwinism:

    • Oversimplified notion of racial superiority among Europeans and Americans.

    • Belief in the survival of the fittest extending to international relations.

    • Justification for imperialist actions despite claims of benevolence.

    1. Expansion of Markets:

    • Importance of creating international markets to support economic growth.

    • Transcontinental Railroad as a precursor to the expansion of markets abroad.

    • Stabilization of crop prices through new international trade opportunities.

    1. Spread of Christianity and Western Civilization:

    • Role of missionaries in spreading Christianity globally.

    • Reference to Rudyard Kipling's poem “The White Man's Burden