U.S. Imperialism Begins

1. Name at least five factors that fueled American Imperialism.

Five factors that fueled American Imperialism were a desire for military strength, a thirst for new markets, a feeling of cultural superiority, ... (there were only three factors listed in the textbook?)

2. Choose two of the above five factors and describe them in your own words.

Thirst for new markets: As factories grew larger and larger, more and more natural resources were required. Also, technology had become so advanced in the US that food production far exceeded the consumption of it in America - foreign trade seemed to be the perfect way for the US to export its excess goods and gain what it needed.

Cultural superiority: Americans saw it was their duty to spread Christianity and civilized behavior to the "lower people" - the foreigners. Social Darwinism only contributed to this view - Americans thought that they had to make themselves a strong presence in the world in order to survive, and imposing their views on others seemed to be a good way to get their opinions out into the open.

3. What was known as “Seward’s Folly” and why?

The purchase of Alaska in 1867 was referred to as Seward's Folly. This was because the general public thought that the US Secretary of State, William Seward, was absolutely crazy for investing in such a cold, barren, icy land as Alaska.

4. What plantation-based product accounted for three-quarters ofHawaii’s wealth in the mid-19^th century and who controlled this product?

In the mid-19th century, sugar cane accounted for 3/4 of Hawaii's wealth. Unfortunately and unfairly, though, caucasian plantation owners controlled this product - the workers got little of the massive profit earned from it.

6. Using as much detail as possible, outline the sequence of events that led to America gaining possession of Hawaii? In other words, why was the United States interested in these Pacific islands?

For years, America had been using the Hawaiian islands as a pit stop on the way across the Pacific. White missionaries travelled to the islands to set up schools and churches, and their ancestors would eventually take over the plantation business. The US treated these plantation owners well, even importing their sugar without tax on it. However the McKinley Tariff of 1890 cancelled this deal, and the plantation owners grew upset. They called for the US to take over Hawaii, so that they would not have to pay a tax for importing their goods from what was , at that time, a foreign country. In 1887, the US had built a major naval base in Hawaii. It was clear that America had interest in Hawaii, but until later, it could not make a move.

King Kalakaua had been bullied into granting voting rights only to the wealthiest, and therefore white, citizens, but upon his death, the balance shifted. His sister took over, and set up a system that was much more balanced towards native Hawaiians. When she suggested that whether or not one owned property should not be used to allow someone to vote, several groups banded together to overthrow her. They succeeded, and set up a new government. This government was led by Sanford B. Dole. President Cleveland did not approve of these actions, and ordered that the queen be granted back her power, but the groups would not listen. In order to keep the peace, the president officially acknowledged the Republic of Hawaii. However, he refused to anex Hawaii unless it was voted forwards by the Hawaiian population. President McKinley, who succeeded President Cleveland, fully supported annexation, and in 1898, the Congress declared Hawaii a US territory - the Hawaiians never got their chance to vote. By 1959, Hawaii was an official state.