7.2 - Imperialism: Debates

Seward and Alaska

• William H. Seward, as Secretary of State, played a crucial role in expanding U.S. territory by purchasing Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million. Though initially mocked as "Seward’s Folly," the acquisition proved valuable due to its resources.

Hawaiian Islands

• American settlers and missionaries had established a significant presence in Hawaii by the late 19th century. In 1893, American settlers aided in overthrowing the Hawaiian monarchy, seeking annexation by the U.S. to avoid tariffs on sugar, but President Grover Cleveland opposed annexation due to his anti-imperialist stance.

New Imperialism

• Economic Interests: The U.S. aimed to expand its markets and secure raw materials like minerals and rubber by establishing control over foreign territories.

• Political and Military Power: Influential figures like Alfred Thayer Mahan argued that a strong navy and overseas bases were essential for the U.S. to become a world power, leading to the expansion of the U.S. Navy and acquisition of strategic islands.

• Social Fears: The economic instability of the 1890s, including the Panic of 1893, led to fears of social unrest, and overseas expansion was seen as a way to alleviate domestic pressures.

• Darwinism and Religion: Many expansionists believed in the racial and cultural superiority of Anglo-Saxons and saw imperialism as a moral duty to spread Christianity and Western civilization.

• Popular Press: Sensationalist journalism fueled public interest in imperialism by glorifying the adventures and opportunities abroad.

Opposition to Imperialism

• Anti-imperialists argued that imperialism contradicted the principles of self-determination and democracy, as it involved ruling over others without their consent.

• Many opposed the racial theories used to justify imperialism, rejecting the idea of racial superiority and the incorporation of non-white populations into the U.S.

• Isolationists believed that following George Washington’s advice to avoid foreign entanglements was still relevant, opposing the costs and moral implications of imperialism.

• Critics also showed the financial burden of maintaining a large navy and controlling overseas territories, arguing that imperialism was economically unwise.