The Pros and Cons of ImperialismThe Pros and Cons of Imperialism
Thoughts on United States Thoughts on United States ImperialismImperialism
Reasons for the US to Expand Overseas:
• Continental frontier was not adequate– US needed “elbow room”
Reasons for (continued)
• US belief in cultural superiority– Race, values, religion, and economics– Goal was to civilize the world– Helping “lesser peoples”
**Ethnocentrism****Ethnocentrism**
Reasons for (continued)
• Industrialization– Increase in productivity=need for new markets– natural resources
Anti-Imperialism Arguments
• Unchristian • Imperialism is
undemocratic• Lack of resources to
defend acquired territories
Anti-Imperialism (continued)
• Stay out of European affairs– Use the two oceans to protect us– Stay isolated
• Imperialism= tyranny– US was a colony of Great Britain once
Political Cartoon Activity
• Look at each political cartoon– Argument being made for or against imperialism– List the details of each cartoon