Imperialism

Introduction to American Imperialism

• Essential Question: What was the impact of American imperialism?

• Focus on both the United States and the territories taken over.

• Similarity to European imperialism reasons, particularly with Great Britain.

Reasons for American Expansion

• Feeling Left Out: The U.S. was late in the imperialism game, felt the need to demonstrate power through territorial acquisition.

• Strong Navy Development: A stronger navy was built, leading to a focus on acquiring naval bases, critical for demonstrating military strength.

• Economic Imperative: As a newly industrialized nation, America sought new markets for goods and sources for raw materials.

• Influence of Alfred Thayer Mahan: Navy strength emphasized by Mahan in his work, which advocated for expanding naval bases to support naval power.

• Missionary Influence: Around 5,000 missionaries in the Pacific and Asian regions by 1900, aiding in early American presence.

• Nationalism and Jingoism: National pride and a desire to show strength through territorial expansion.

• Social Darwinism: Belief that stronger nations were justified in taking over weaker nations, influencing justification for imperialism.

Key Regions of American Expansion

Pacific Regions

1. American Samoan Islands

• Background: Competition for control between the U.S. and Germany over the islands.

• Treaty with the Samoan Kingdom: Gained a naval base at Pago Pago through a treaty.

• Tripartite Agreement: Established a protectorate jointly with Germany and Great Britain after tensions resolved by a hurricane.

2. Hawaii

• Early American Influence: Commenced in the 1820s with missionaries and traders; concerns over European powers taking control.

• Promise of Sovereignty: U.S. promised to protect Hawaii from European takeover in 1848.

• Economic Transformation: American planters gained wealth and land, leading to a power dynamic that marginalized native Hawaiians, who lost land ownership.

• Monarch Conflict: King Kalakaua allied with American planters to ensure economic stability until he faced a coup attempt by these planters.

• The Sugar Treaty of 1875: Allowed Hawaiian sugar to enter the U.S. duty-free, boosting Hawaii's economy and trade.

• Coup and Constitutional Changes: 1887 "Bayonet Constitution" stripped King Kalakaua of power, disenfranchised native Hawaiians, and granted military rights to the U.S.

Queen Liliuokalani's Reign and Overthrow

• Transition of Power: After Kalakaua's death, his sister Liliuokalani became queen, intending to restore Hawaiian sovereignty and resist annexation.

• Conflict with American Planters: Opposition from American planters who sought further control over Hawaiian resources and government.

• Annexation Attempts: The Hawaiian League sought the annexation of Hawaii post-1890, following the loss of the sugar treaty, which was opposed by the queen.

• Illegitimate U.S. Military Intervention: Marines landed in Oahu in 1893 under dubious orders, leading to Liliuokalani's forced abdication.

• Aftermath and American Government Investigation: Grover Cleveland condemned the coup and sought a restoration of the queen, but no military action followed.

Annexation Debate

• Presidency Change: President McKinley's administration favored annexation.

• Congressional Vote: Annexation passed by a close margin through a joint resolution, criticized as improper for international issues.

• Official Apology: The U.S. officially apologized in 1993 for the annexation of Hawaii, considering it illegal in historical context.