Overview
This lecture covers the roots of American imperialism from 1890 to 1914, focusing on key figures, motives, and events that expanded U.S. influence overseas.
The Gilded Age and Expansion
- The Gilded Age (circa 1870–1914) marked the transformation of the U.S. into a military and economic world power.
- American foreign policy during this period often extended the logic of domestic expansion (Manifest Destiny) to overseas territories.
- Hawaii, Cuba, and other territories became new "frontiers" for U.S. expansion beyond the continental states.
Early Architects of Empire
- William Seward, Secretary of State in the 1860s, sought U.S. expansion into Asia and Latin America.
- Seward acquired the Midway Islands and purchased Alaska from Russia, initially criticized as "Seward's Folly" but later valued for its resources.
- Hamilton Fish worked to gain U.S. respect internationally, negotiating the Alabama Claims with Britain for Civil War reparations.
Motives for Overseas Expansion
- Explosive economic growth during the Gilded Age pushed the search for international markets and raw materials.
- U.S. exports grew from $234 million in 1865 to $1.3 billion by 1898, increasing need for political, cultural, and military presence abroad.
- Other motives included religious (missionary work), cultural, and ideologies like Social Darwinism and paternalism, which justified imperialism as a civilizing mission.
Ideological Justifications
- Social Darwinism and racial superiority theories were used to rationalize conquest and control over "less fit" societies.
- The concept of the "White Man's Burden," popularized by Rudyard Kipling, depicted imperialism as a duty to uplift non-Western peoples.
- Paternalism—claiming to act in the best interests of conquered peoples—was a key justification, similar to arguments used by slaveholders.
Key Thinkers: Turner and Mahan
- Frederick Jackson Turner's "Frontier Thesis" argued that American identity was shaped by westward expansion; with the western frontier closed, expansion should go overseas.
- Alfred T. Mahan's "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History" asserted that world power requires a strong, global navy, coaling stations, and naval bases.
- The U.S. modernized its navy with the Naval Act of 1890, ranking third globally by 1910, behind only Britain and Germany.
Strategic Acquisitions: Hawaii and Samoa
- Hawaii's strategic and economic value made it a U.S. target; American business interests led to the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani and annexation in 1898.
- Similar motives applied in Samoa, where the U.S., Germany, and Britain agreed to divide control, disregarding local opposition.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Manifest Destiny — Belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America.
- Gilded Age — Period of rapid economic and industrial growth in the U.S. from about 1870 to 1914.
- Social Darwinism — Application of "survival of the fittest" to justify imperialism and racial hierarchies.
- Paternalism — Policy of governing others in their supposed best interest, used to justify conquest.
- White Man's Burden — Idea that Westerners had a duty to civilize non-Western societies.
- Annexation — Incorporation of new territory into a country.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Turner's "Frontier Thesis" and Mahan's "Influence of Sea Power Upon History."
- Prepare notes on the motives and justifications for U.S. expansion for class discussion.