Heimler's History: American Imperialism (1898-1945)

Introduction

• Time Period: 1898 to 1945
• Focus: American imperial expansion
• Main Goal: Explain similarities and differences in attitudes about America's role in the world

Definition of Imperialism

• Expansion of a country's political, economic, and military influence over other countries
• America's Entry into Imperialism:
  • Purchase of Alaska in 1867 for $7.2 million ("Seward's Folly")
  • Initially seen as useless until the gold discovery in 1898
  • Led to a desire for more territorial expansion

Historical Context

• 19th Century: Extensive westward expansion across the American continent
• Frederick Jackson Turner: Warned of the dangers of the closing frontier
  • Inspired Americans to consider global expansion

Debates on Imperial Expansion

• Imperialists vs. Anti-Imperialists

Imperialists' Arguments

• Pursuit of valuable raw materials (e.g., gold in Alaska)
• Desire for new markets for American goods
• Justification through Social Darwinism
  • Social Darwinism: Belief in survival of the fittest applied to politics and economics
• International Prestige: Competing with European empires
• Racial Motivations:
  • Josiah Strong's "Our Country": Claimed Anglo-Saxon race was superior and had a Christian duty to civilize other races
• Military Strategy:
  • Influence of Alfred Thayer Mahan's "The Influence of Sea Power on History"
  • Strong nations need a robust navy
  • Congress built a new steel navy to secure foreign markets

Anti-Imperialists' Arguments

• Self-Determination: Nations should decide their own governance
  • Parallels with American arguments against British rule
• Isolationism: Historical policy against foreign entanglements
  • Citing George Washington's warning against foreign involvement
• Consequences: Risk of being drawn into unnecessary wars and economic disputes
• Racial Concerns:
  • Debate on whether the Constitution follows the flag
  • Concerns about granting rights to colonized peoples

Conclusion

• This overview covers Unit 7 topic 2 of the AP U.S. history curriculum
• Further resources include a playlist for Unit 7 and an Ultimate Review Packet
• Encouragement to subscribe for more educational content

These notes summarize the key points from Heimler's lecture on American imperialism from 1898 to 1945, focusing on the debates between imperialists and anti-imperialists, the motivations behind American expansion, and the historical context.