The Age of Imperialism

1. The Age of Imperialism America looks to the world

2. Focus Question: • List and describe three reasons a nation may look to expand beyond its borders

3. Objectives After today’s lesson, you will: • Discuss the rationale for seeking territory overseas in the late 19th century

4. The Age of Empire • Last quarter of the 19thCentury was marked by Imperialism • The Great Powers were dividing the globe between them

5. Would the U.S. get involved?

6. The U.S. Goes Forth • The United States entered the Imperialist Race • Commerce • National Defense • National Status • Promote American Democracy

7. Commerce • New Markets • U.S. production greater than U.S. demand • Role of Tariffs in International trade • Raw Materials • Industry required certain items • Rubber • Sugar

8. National Defense • U.S. coastal defense needed • U.S. merchants required protection • Unprotected merchants could bring the U.S. to war (War of 1812) • Navy must patrol sea lanes • Required bases and coaling stations • Theories of Alfred T. Mahan

9. National Stature • United States as a Great Power • Economic Strength surpassed most • Large Territory • Psychological approach • Generational Politics

10. Export Democracy • Old theme of American exceptionalism • U.S. must serve as an example to the world • U.S. could export traditions and values • Built on chauvinism • Anglo-Saxon Protestants superior to others • “White Man’s Burden” • “The U.S. had a responsibility to lift up the inferior peoples”

12. Summary • In a short response of 2 to 3 sentence, explain what you like and what you did not like about the lesson class today.