History Final: Maria El Tom: 3D Gallery

Major Cause 1: A New Market

The late nineteenth century was known as the “Age of Imperialism,” a time when the United States and other major world powers rapidly expanded their territorial possessions. During this time, industrialization caused American businessmen to seek new international markets in which to sell their goods. By late 1800s, the growing industrial economy of U.S. was producing more goods than the nation could consume. Overabundance of industrial goods led Americans to look for new markets abroad. Notable figures such as Albert J. Beveridge, an Indiana Senator, pushed for new territories on economic grounds. The combination of these attitudes and other factors led the United States toward imperialism. the United States exerted political, social, and economic control over territories such as the Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska and Japan.

Major Event 1: Remember The Maine

The U.S.S Maine had come to Cuba to protect American citizens while Cuban revolutionaries were fighting to win independence from Spain. The United States supported their cause, and after the Maine exploded, demanded that Spain give Cuba freedom. Instead, Spain declared war, and America quickly followed suit as 266 Americans were killed in this explosion, and American newspapers were quick to blame Spain. This explosion was the direct and immediate cause of the Spanish-American War to come.

Major Event 2: A Splendid Little War

America went to war against Spain to free Cuba from Spanish domination. But the war provided the United States an opportunity to seize overseas possessions and begin building an American empire. This war was incredibly short, lasting only 4 months causing it to gain the nickname, "A Splendid Little War". This war marked America's first real imperialistic conquests, with it gaining Puerto Rico and Guam due to the Treaty of Paris, as well as the Philippines for $20 million. The Treaty of Paris also protected Cuba, stating that it shall be independent.

Major Event 3: Securing the Seas

The building of the Panama Canal was an important and remarkable achievement for the United States.The US for the first time was going to be able to gain control of both oceans. That was critical in times of war, soldiers needed to be able to get from North to South America quickly, without having to circle around the whole continent. There was no air power, so having a powerful navy was crucial. Americans knew they needed this to move ships from east to west quickly. If they did that, they would become an even bigger power because they would control the oceans. The Canal was a geopolitical strategy to make the United States the most powerful nation on earth. Also, the economic impact was massive. Now you could unite the trade between the two oceans, and have a wider marker for buying and selling.

Major Event 4: Seward's Folly

In 1867 the Secretary of State, William Seward, purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. The American people believed this purchase was useless, for they though Alaska was a frozen wasteland with no real use, and was referred to as "Seward's Folly". The American people were quick to change their mind as huge gold and oil deposits were discovered later on. Alaska brought in many important resources for America as well as provided security from other countries possibly gaining territory in North America. Due to the Alaskan Purchase, not only Russia, but Britain lost the ability to gain commercial expansion in North America. While Britain was angered at the fact they could not conquer the territory, Russia was happy with the fact they sold it for the price they did, and that Britain couldn’t acquire it, if a potential war broke out.

Major Event 5: The Hawaiian Annexation

One of the most notable examples of American imperialism in this age was the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, which allowed the United States to gain possession and control of all ports, buildings, harbors, military equipment, and public property that had formerly belonged to the Government of the Hawaiian Islands, including access to Hawaii's naval base, Pearl Harbor. Hawaii was also of importance to the military effort because of its location. The U.S. Navy also needed the islands for refueling ships that were en route to the Philippines. The annexation of Hawaii brought with it many benefits, and added to the image of the United States being a world power, therefore it was at this time in 1898 that Congress annexed Hawaii because of the economic and military benefit the islands offered, and later made it a state in 1959

Influential Person: Theodore Roosevelt

Under the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt, the United States emerged from the nineteenth century with ambitious designs on global power through military might, territorial expansion, and economic influence. Though the Spanish-American War had begun under the administration of William McKinley, Roosevelt, the hero of San Juan Hill, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Vice-President, and President, was arguably the most visible and influential proponent of American imperialism at the turn of the century. Roosevelt’s also emphasized on developing the American navy, and on Latin America (Roosevelt Corollary) as a key strategic area of U.S. foreign policy. It was these actions and influences that Roosevelt added to America that would get him elected as President of the United States.

Effect of Imperialist Age

The Age of imperialism has affected America in many ways. The most notable way in which America was affected is the fact that America was finally seen as a world power through the imperialist age. The expansion, of colonies also expanded their foreign market, and brought in lots of resources and money. Other world powers such as Britain and China were finally able to see how much power the United States has. The imperialist age caused some of the most important states for resources to be annexed, such as Hawaii, and Alaska. This age also brought forth the 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. Without the imperialist age nobody would have seen Roosevelt's remarkable actions, ad he wouldn't have been elected as president. The age of imperialism had many great affects overall that have benefited America through history.

Essential Question

In the end, America had many reason for becoming an imperialist nation, but the main factors that ended up driving Americans to imperialism was the need for foreign trade markets, resources, the believe that Americans had to spread christianity to the rest of the world, and the U.S’ need to create a stronger navy and be seen as a world power by other countries. The U.S went about expanding its influence by choosing to conquer territories that were already beneficial to America, such as Hawaii and the sugar plantations. America also made sure to conquer territories that would prevent any foreign powers from gaining power in North America and the western Hemisphere, like Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. America also was able to gain many territories by going to war and having it result in a treaty that gave America territories. Overall, America had many reasons to become an imperialist nation and went about it in many ways, that deemed beneficial to the U.S in the end.

Major Cause 2: Social Darwinism

As America entered the age of imperialism, many factors played into America's conquests, a main cause was Social Darwinism. The increasing influence of social Darwinism led to the belief that the United States was inherently responsible for bringing concepts such as industry, democracy, and Christianity to less developed “savage” societies. People believed that social Darwinism and racial superiority justified imperialism, and believed the U.S. had a responsibility to spread Christianity and civilization to inferior peoples, so the United States took it upon themselves to help these territories by conquering them and imposing their culture on them, whether it was with or without their consent.

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History Final: Maria El Tom