Study Notes on U.S. Imperialism and the Frontier Concept

Period of discussion involves the United States and its imperialistic behaviors during various historical events.
Key figures and concepts include Social Darwinism, Josiah Strong, and Frederick Jackson Turner.
Mentioning the location: North America, Solar System, Milky Way.

Social Darwinism: Application of Darwin's theory of evolution to society, suggesting superiority of select races.
Josiah Strong:
- Authored Our Country.
- Believed white Americans had a moral obligation to civilize other parts of the world, reflecting a racist mentality.
- His ideas were used to justify imperialism.

Frederick Jackson Turner:
- Wrote The Significance of the Frontier in American History.
- His thesis centered around the idea of the "frontier" being the edge of civilization.
- Explored the concept of why American expansion was necessary:
- As civilization expanded, the moving frontier was a pressure release for societal discontent.
- Noted the historical movement of the frontier:
- Initially the Appalachian Mountains (13 Colonies).
- Followed by the Ohio Valley and then westward to the Oregon Trail.
- Described various groups and efforts moving into these frontiers (farmers, trappers, cowboys, exodusters).
The Closing of the Frontier:
- Noted that by Turner's time (1890), the frontier was closed.
- Suggested that without a frontier, Americans could face societal chaos, leading to imperialism.

Described frontier as a "pressure valve":
- Release of societal pressure to prevent conflict (revolution, chaos, etc.).
- Illustrates how American society needed new lands to settle discontented populations.
Critique of Turner’s thesis by contemporary historians;
- Noted that while land was acquired, it didn’t result in mass migrations to acquired territories.

Matthew Perry:
- An American naval officer who sailed warships into Tokyo, Japan.
- Aimed to open Japan to American trade, leveraging military intimidation as a key tactic.
- Japan was closed off from the outside world due to historical isolation.
- Outcome: Japan opened for negotiations, marking a shift in their isolationist policies; a precursor to Japan’s own imperial ambitions.

Purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7,200,000.
Negotiated by William Seward, Secretary of State.
Initially mocked as “Seward’s folly” or “Seward's Icebox.”
Later revealed to be a lucrative purchase due to natural resources (gold, lumber, oil).

Conducted by Secretary of State James Blaine.
Aimed to unify Latin American countries under U.S. influence.
Demonstrated U.S. dominance by insisting on trade agreements and road constructions such as the Pan American Highway.
Perceived arrogance from the U.S. when dealing with weaker Latin American countries.

A territorial dispute between Venezuela and Great Britain over borders.
U.S. Intervention:
- Stepped in to mediate, showcasing its emerging role as a significant player in global politics.
- Illustrated American assertiveness, which angered Great Britain but improved U.S.-British relations.
- Critically disadvanted Venezuela, leading to resentment toward the U.S.

Queen Liliʻuokalani sought to limit American business influence in Hawaii.
American businessmen revolted against her reign, backed by U.S. military without proper authority.
Sanford Dole led the overthrow of the queen, pushing for annexation of Hawaii.
President William McKinley eventually supported the annexation, claiming benefits for trade and cultural influence.
- Accused of imperialist motivations, illustrating American exploitation of native populations.

These early examples of imperialism set the foundation for complex U.S. foreign policy.
Showcases the transition from expansionism to more aggressive imperialist practices by the U.S.