Heimler's History - Unit 7 AP U.S. History: American Imperialism (1898-1945)

Introduction to American Imperialism

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

Definition of Imperialism

• Imperialism: Expansion of a country's political, economic, and military influence over others
• Common Misconception: America is not an empire
• Reality Check: America's imperialistic actions began with the purchase of Alaska in 1867

Purchase of Alaska

• Year: 1867
• Key Figure: William Seward, Secretary of State under Lincoln and Johnson
• Details:
  • Purchased from Russia for $7.2 million
  • Initially labeled "Seward's Folly"
  • Discovery of gold in 1898 highlighted its value

Expansionist Sentiment

• 19th Century Context: Westward expansion was a significant American theme
• Frederick Jackson Turner: Warned about the closing of the frontier
• New Opportunities: Global lands available for expansion

Debates on Imperial Expansion

• Two Groups: Imperialists vs. Anti-Imperialists

Imperialist Arguments

• Resource Motivation: Discoveries like gold in Alaska suggested other lands might hold valuable resources
• Market Expansion: Desire for new markets for American goods (manufactured and agricultural)
• Social Darwinism: Justification that stronger countries are meant to dominate weaker ones
• International Recognition: Compete with European empires
• Racial Superiority: Josiah Strong's ideas of racial hierarchy and Christian duty
• Naval Power: Influenced by Alfred Thayer Mahan's book advocating for a strong navy
  • Argument: Strong navies require strategic territories for refueling and supplies
  • Outcome: U.S. secured Pacific and Caribbean territories

Anti-Imperialist Arguments

• Self-Determination: Nations should choose their rulers and laws
  • Historical Parallel: Similar to American colonial arguments against Britain
• Isolationism: Maintain tradition of avoiding foreign entanglements
  • Reference: George Washington's farewell speech warning against foreign involvement
• Racial Concerns: Fear of incorporating non-white populations as citizens
  • Constitutional Debate: "Does the Constitution follow the flag?"

Conclusion

• Important Concepts: Understanding imperialism and its debates
• Resources: Further study materials available
  • Recommendation: Check playlist and review packets
• Call to Action: Subscribe for more content

These notes capture key points from a lecture on American imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the debates between imperialists and anti-imperialists over America's role in the world.