The White Man’s Burden: Imperialism in the World and the United States Acknowledgement to Mr. Jeff Lobo, Producer.

The White Man’s Burden:Imperialism in the World and the United States

Acknowledgement to Mr. Jeff Lobo, Producer

Manifest Destiny Revisited

Louisiana Territory (1803) Acquisition of Florida (1821) Acquisition of Texas (1845) Territories from Mexican War (1848) Gadsden Purchase (1853) Acquisition of Alaska (1867) $7.2 Million Annexation of Hawaii (July 1898)

Imperialism and its Antecedents

Nationalism – extreme pride in one’s country which is often accompanied by feelings of superiority relative to other nations.

Capitalism – an economic system whereby capital is invested in order to make a profit, which then itself becomes capital and, in turn, is totally or partially reinvested.

How do these concepts help to fuel imperialism (seeking to extend the power, dominion, or territories of a country)?

Imperialist nations feel “superior” which gives them the “right” to rule. Nations compete to build the biggest empires. Profit motive and competition associated with capitalism expanded the

already mercantilist policies of the 18th Century (colonies provided raw materials, markets for surplus goods, population outlets, etc. for the mother country).

Imperialism Imperialism – stronger nations

attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nations – economically, politically, culturally, militarily.

Annex – join a new territory to an existing country.

Why? Economic Factors: Growth of industry

in Europe/New markets. Nationalist Factors: Nationalism –

devotion to one’s nation. Military Factors: Advances in military

technology – strong armies and navies. Humanitarian Factors:

Religious/Doctors, missionaries – spread law, medicine, and Christianity.

Causes of Imperialism

Economic Motives

The Industrial Revolution created an insatiable demand for raw materials and new markets.

Causes of Imperialism

Economic Motives

The Industrial Revolution created an insatiable demand for raw materials and new markets.

NationalismEuropean nations wanted to demonstrate their power and prestige to the world.

Causes of Imperialism

Economic Motives

The Industrial Revolution created an insatiable demand for raw materials and new markets.

NationalismEuropean nations wanted to demonstrate their power and prestige to the world.

Balance of Power

European nations were forced to acquire new colonies to achieve a balance with their neighbors and competitors.

Causes of Imperialism

Economic Motives

The Industrial Revolution created an insatiable demand for raw materials and new markets.

NationalismEuropean nations wanted to demonstrate their power and prestige to the world.

Balance of Power

European nations were forced to acquire new colonies to achieve a balance with their neighbors and competitors.

White Man's Burden

The Europeans’ sense of superiority made them feel obligated to “civilize the heathen savages” they encountered.

"The civilized nations are beginning to perceive that they have a duty, which is often contemptuously spoken of, to police the world. The recognition of this duty has been forced by trade."

- Robert E. Spear Head of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian

Church

Year Imports Exports

1870 $300 Million $350 Million

1875 $900 Million $800 Million

1880 $1.22 Billion $1.0 Billion

1889 $900 Million $800 Million

1892 $1.2 Billion $1.42 Billion

1899 1.3 Billion 1.35 Billion

1903 1.7 Billion 1.8 Billion

1914 1.6 Billion 2.8 Billion

U. S. Imports and Exports

Spanish-American War 1898 “Splendid Little War” 1868-1876 – Cuban revolution

against Spain; Spain promises reforms.

1895 – Severe depression (caused, in part, by a 40% U.S. tariff on Cuban sugar) revitalizes revolution.

Maine – American war ship sunk in the harbor of Havana, Cuba.

Yellow Journalism – Type of newspaper coverage that emphasized sensational stories.

Why did the U.S. go to war with Spain?

Industrialism Nationalism Imperialism/Expansionism

U.S. needs to take its rightful place among imperialist empires/world powers.

Spain had grown weak and imperial holdings were hard to control.

Monroe Doctrine – 1823 – Declaration that the U.S. would oppose efforts by any outside power to control a nation in the Western Hemisphere.

Civilization begins at home (1898)

U.S. in the Philippines 1898-1915

May 1898 – U.S. destroys Spanish fleet in Manila Bay

Dec. 1898 – Treaty of Paris: Spain Frees Cuba, cedes

Puerto Rico and Guam to U.S., Sells Philippines to US for $20 Million

Feb. 1899 – War begins between US and Filipino independence forces

U.S. in the Philippines (Cont’d)

Feb. 1900 – Over a 1,000 engagements between US and Filipino forces in first year of war.

July 1902 – Pres. T. Roosevelt declares victory but guerrilla war continues until 1915.