APUSH 7.2 (no 7.1)

Unit 7: American Imperial Expansion (1898-1945)

Overview of Imperialism

  • Definition of Imperialism: Expansion of one country's political, economic, and military influence over another country; essentially, it is the expansion of empire.

Historical Context

  • Early American Imperialism:

    • The United States began its foray into imperial interests with the purchase of Alaska in 1867 for $7.2 million.

    • Competing claims existed over Alaska from Russia and Great Britain.

    • William Seward, Secretary of State under President Lincoln and President Johnson, was a proponent of this purchase.

    • The purchase was derided as Seward's Folly due to the perception of Alaska as a barren, ice-laden wasteland.

    • The discovery of gold in 1898 shifted perspectives, establishing Alaska's value.

Motivation for Expansion

  • Territorial Expansion:

    • Territorial expansion was an inherent aspect of American identity throughout the 19th century.

    • Historical context includes westward expansion and the notion of manifest destiny.

  • Influence of Frederick Jackson Turner:

    • Turner’s thesis highlighted dangers associated with the closing of the frontier, provoking thoughts of seeking land elsewhere.

Imperialists vs. Anti-Imperialists

  • Imperialist Perspectives:

    • The discovery of gold led imperialists to believe in the potential for wealth from other territories.

    • Desire to secure new markets for U.S. goods, including manufactured and agricultural products.

    • Adoption of Social Darwinism as a justification for expansion:

    • Social Darwinism reflects the idea that the strong prevail over the weak, applicable to international relations.

    • The fear of being viewed as a second-class nation by European peers if America did not engage in imperialism.

  • Racial Motivations:

    • Josiah Strong’s book, Our Country: It's Possible Future and Present Crisis (1885), posited the superiority of the white Anglo-Saxon race and a 'Christian duty' to civilize the world.

  • Alfred Thayer Mahan's Influence:

    • Mahan's work, The Influence of Sea Power on History suggested that strong naval power is essential for a nation's success in global markets.

    • Resulted in Congressional approval for a large new fleet of steel warships to project American naval power globally.

    • Highlighted the need for strategic territories for refueling and support for naval operations, leading to territorial acquisitions in the Pacific and Caribbean.

Anti-Imperialist Counterarguments

  • Principle of Self-Determination:

    • The notion that nations ought to govern themselves, echoing arguments against British rule by colonial Americans.

    • Criticism of U.S. expansion as infringing on the self-determination of less powerful nations.

  • Historical Isolationism:

    • Anti-imperialists pointed to a long-standing American tradition of avoiding foreign entanglement, citing Washington's farewell advice.

    • Concerns about entanglement in foreign conflicts and economic disputes.

  • Constitutional Debate:

    • Central question: Does the Constitution extend to new territories (i.e., does the Constitution follow the flag)?

    • Anti-imperialists asserted that U.S. constitutional rights should extend to all territories under U.S. control, raising concerns about the status of non-white populations.

  • Racial Arguments against Expansion:

    • Anti-imperialists used racial arguments to challenge the logic of expansion, particularly the implications of citizenship and rights for newly acquired populations deemed inferior.

Conclusion

  • Summation of the complex debate surrounding American imperial expansion during this period, laying the groundwork for further exploration in coming topics, particularly the Spanish-American War.