DEBATES About AMERICAN IMPERIALISM [APUSH Unit 7 Topic 2] Period 7: 1898-1945

Summary

This video script from Heimler's History delves into Unit 7 of the AP U.S. History curriculum, focusing on the period from 1898 to 1945, which marked America's venture into imperial expansion. It explains the concept of imperialism and America's initial foray with the purchase of Alaska in 1867, which was initially seen as worthless but later valuable after gold was discovered. The script outlines the debate between imperialists, who sought expanded access to raw materials and new markets, justified by Social Darwinism and the need for a strong navy, and anti-imperialists, who advocated for national self-determination, warned against foreign entanglements, and questioned the extension of constitutional rights to newly acquired territories. The video is an engaging exploration of America's historical struggle with its role on the global stage.

Takeaways

• 📈 The time period from 1898 to 1945 marks the beginning of America's involvement in imperial expansion.
• 🌍 Imperialism is the expansion of a country's political, economic, and military influence over another country.
• 💰 The purchase of Alaska in 1867 was a precursor to American imperialism, with the discovery of gold in 1898 making it seem valuable.
• 🏴‍☠️ The U.S. had a history of westward expansion, which contributed to the desire for imperialistic expansion.
• 💬 There was a significant debate between imperialists and anti-imperialists regarding America's role in the world.
• 💎 Imperialists were motivated by the potential for access to valuable raw materials and new markets for American goods.
• 🦅 Social Darwinism and the idea of the white, Anglo-Saxon race being the fittest were used to justify expansion.
• 🚢 Alfred Thayer Mahan's theories on sea power influenced the U.S. to build a strong navy and secure strategic territories.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Anti-imperialists argued for the principle of self-determination for nations and against the loss of American isolationist traditions.
• ⚖️ The anti-imperialist debate questioned whether the U.S. Constitution should apply to newly acquired territories.
• 📚 The script provides a summary of Unit 7, Topic 2 of the AP U.S. history curriculum, focusing on imperialism and its implications.

Q & A

What is the time period covered by Unit 7 of the AP U.S. History curriculum?

Unit 7 of the AP U.S. History curriculum covers the time period from 1898 to 1945.

What significant event marks the beginning of the American foray into imperial expansion?

The purchase of Alaska in 1867 marks the beginning of the American foray into imperial expansion.

Why was the purchase of Alaska initially considered 'Seward's Folly'?

The purchase of Alaska was initially considered 'Seward's Folly' because it was viewed as a polar icebox with no particular value until gold was discovered there in 1898.

What is the fundamental concept behind imperialism?

Imperialism is the expansion of one country's political, economic, and military influence over another country, essentially the expansion of an empire.

What were the main motivations for American imperialists?

The main motivations for American imperialists included the desire for access to valuable raw materials, securing new markets for American goods, justifying expansion through Social Darwinism, and the belief in the Christian duty to spread western civilization.

How did the discovery of gold in Alaska influence American imperialist thought?

The discovery of gold in Alaska led imperialists to believe that there might be valuable raw materials in other places as well, which could be taken to expand the nation's wealth and influence.

What was the stance of anti-imperialists regarding the principle of self-determination?

Anti-imperialists argued for the principle of self-determination, which is the idea that nations should be able to decide for themselves who rules them and what laws are passed, without foreign interference.

Why did anti-imperialists invoke George Washington's warning against foreign entanglement?

Anti-imperialists invoked George Washington's warning to emphasize the potential negative consequences of entangling the U.S. in global affairs, such as being drawn into wars and economic disputes.

What was the debate between imperialists and anti-imperialists regarding the Constitution and the flag?

The debate was about whether the Constitution should follow the flag, meaning if America claimed a territory, should the people there become American citizens with full rights? Anti-imperialists argued that it should, but used this as a point to critique the hypocrisy of not intending to grant full rights to non-white populations.

What was Alfred Thayer Mahan's argument regarding sea power and its relation to imperial expansion?

Alfred Thayer Mahan argued that a robust navy was essential for a country to be strong on the world stage, and to secure foreign markets for industrialists. This led to the need for strategic territories for naval refueling and supply, thus linking naval power to imperial expansion.

What was the ultimate goal of the American imperialists in securing Pacific and Caribbean territories?

The ultimate goal was to facilitate American naval dominance by having strategic territories where the navy could refuel and resupply, thereby securing their influence and control over global trade routes and markets.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to American Imperialism

The video script introduces the audience to Unit 7 of the AP U.S. History curriculum, focusing on the period from 1898 to 1945, which marks the beginning of American imperial expansion. The video aims to explore the similarities and differences in attitudes concerning the U.S.'s role in the world. Imperialism is defined as the expansion of a country's political, economic, and military influence over another. The script mentions the purchase of Alaska in 1867 and the subsequent discovery of gold there in 1898 as a turning point that made imperialistic expansion more appealing. The video also touches on the inherent American drive for westward expansion and the debate between imperialists and anti-imperialists, highlighting the imperialists' desire for access to raw materials, new markets, and the influence of Social Darwinism and racial motivations for expansion.

05:03

🏛️ The Debate on Imperialism and Anti-Imperialism

This paragraph delves into the arguments of both the imperialist and anti-imperialist camps. Imperialists, influenced by the discovery of gold in Alaska, sought to expand American influence for access to valuable resources and new markets. They justified their stance with Social Darwinism, suggesting that the strong should dominate the weak in politics and economics. Racial motivations were also present, with the belief that the white, Anglo-Saxon race was superior and had a duty to spread Christianity and Western civilization. Alfred Thayer Mahan's theories on sea power also played a role, advocating for a strong navy and strategic territories for naval dominance. Anti-imperialists, on the other hand, emphasized the principle of self-determination, arguing against the loss of this right for less-powerful nations if the U.S. were to take them over. They also warned of the dangers of foreign entanglement, citing George Washington's advice against it and fearing unforeseen consequences such as wars and economic disputes. The anti-imperialists questioned whether the Constitution should extend to newly acquired territories, using this as a point to argue against expansion, especially if it involved incorporating non-white populations as full citizens.

Keywords

💡Imperialism

Imperialism is the policy of extending a country's rule over foreign nations, often by military force or by gaining political and economic control. In the video, it is central to understanding America's historical actions and attitudes towards expansion, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The script discusses how the U.S. engaged in imperialism, starting with the purchase of Alaska, and how this set a precedent for further expansionist policies.

💡Seward's Folly

Seward's Folly refers to the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, orchestrated by U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward. Initially considered a poor decision due to the perceived lack of value of the territory, it later proved valuable when gold was discovered there in 1898. The term is used in the video to illustrate a turning point in American imperialist thinking, where the discovery of resources made territorial acquisition more appealing.

💡Self-Determination

Self-determination is the principle that nations or peoples have the right to decide their own political status without external interference. The video highlights this as a key argument of the anti-imperialist camp, who believed that expanding U.S. control over other territories would deny those peoples the right to self-governance. This principle is rooted in the same arguments used by the American colonies to justify their separation from British rule.

💡Isolationism

Isolationism is the policy or attitude of favoring strict political and economic separation from other countries. The video mentions America's historical tendency towards isolationism, particularly as warned by George Washington in his farewell address. Anti-imperialists used this history to argue against entangling the U.S. in the affairs of other nations, suggesting it could lead to unwanted wars and disputes.

💡Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism is a non-scientific theory that applies the concept of natural selection from biology to human societies, suggesting that societies and nations progress through 'survival of the fittest.' In the video, it is mentioned as a pseudoscientific justification used by imperialists to argue for the expansion of the U.S. empire, claiming it was a natural and necessary progression for a strong nation.

💡Racial Motivations

Racial motivations refer to the ideological beliefs and biases based on race that influenced historical actions and policies. The video discusses how racial ideologies, particularly the belief in the superiority of the white, Anglo-Saxon race, played a role in justifying American imperialism. This is exemplified by the book 'Our Country: Its Possible Future and Present Crisis' by Reverend Josiah Strong, which advocated for the expansion of the white race.

💡Alfred Thayer Mahan

Alfred Thayer Mahan was a U.S. naval officer and historian whose theories on the importance of sea power influenced American policy. His book 'The Influence of Sea Power Upon History' is referenced in the video as a key influence on the decision to build a new steel navy and secure strategic territories for naval dominance. This directly relates to the theme of imperialism as it provided a rationale for acquiring overseas territories.

💡Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War was a conflict in 1898 between the United States and Spain, which resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. While not explicitly detailed in the script, it is alluded to as a pivotal event in American imperialist expansion, marking a significant shift in the U.S.'s role in global affairs.

💡Constitution and the Flag

The debate over whether the U.S. Constitution should 'follow the flag' is a discussion about whether the U.S. Constitution applies to territories acquired through imperialism. Anti-imperialists argued that if the Constitution did not apply to these territories, it would be unjust to impose American rule without granting the inhabitants full rights and privileges. This debate is highlighted in the video as a key point of contention between imperialists and anti-imperialists.

💡Expansionism

Expansionism is the policy or ideology of expanding a country's power and influence, often through territorial acquisition. The video's narrative is centered around the U.S.'s turn towards expansionism, particularly in the late 19th century. The script outlines the various motivations and justifications for American expansionism, including economic, military, and ideological factors.

💡Anti-Imperialism

Anti-imperialism is the opposition to imperialism and the policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means. In the video, anti-imperialists are presented as a counterpoint to the imperialist movement, advocating for principles such as self-determination and warning against the potential negative consequences of expansion, such as entanglement in foreign conflicts.

Highlights

The period from 1898 to 1945 marks the beginning of American imperial expansion.

Imperialism is the expansion of one country's political, economic, and military influence over another.

The U.S. entered the realm of imperialism with the purchase of Alaska in 1867.

Gold discovered in Alaska in 1898 changed perceptions of the territory's value.

American imperialistic expansion was fueled by a desire for access to raw materials and new markets.

Social Darwinism was used to justify American expansion as a survival of the fittest scenario.

Reverend Josiah Strong's book promoted the idea that the white, Anglo-Saxon race should expand its influence.

Alfred Thayer Mahan's theories on sea power influenced the U.S. to build a strong navy and secure strategic territories.

The imperialist camp argued for expansion to secure foreign markets and project American power internationally.

Anti-imperialists believed in the principle of self-determination for nations and warned against foreign entanglements.

Anti-imperialists invoked George Washington's warning against foreign entanglements and the potential for uncontrollable consequences.

The debate between imperialists and anti-imperialists included discussions on whether the Constitution should extend to new territories.

Anti-imperialists argued that the U.S. Constitution should follow the flag, but used this as a critique of the potential for unequal citizenship.

The Spanish-American War is a key event in the discussion of American empire, to be covered in the next video.

Heimler's History provides educational content on AP U.S. History curriculum.

The video concludes with resources for further study, including a playlist and an Ultimate Review Packet for AP U.S. History.

The speaker, Heimler, encourages viewers to subscribe for more educational content.

Transcripts

hey there and welcome back to heimler's history  and further welcome to unit seven of the ap us  

history curriculum which covers the time  period 1898 to 1945. this period kicks off  

with the american foray into imperial expansion  so if you're ready to get them brain cows milked  

imperial style then let's get to it now as we  consider american empire in this video we're  

basically trying to do one thing to explain  the similarities and differences and attitudes  

about the nation's proper role in the world so  imperialism what is it well imperialism is a term  

that describes the expansion of one country's  political economic and military influence over  

another country in other words it's the expansion  of empire and you might be like america ain't  

no empire but you would be wrong america went  ahead and dipped its toes into the imperialist  

waters with the purchase of alaska in 1867.  you might recall that both russia and great  

britain laid competing claims to this territory  and so william seward who is lincoln and then  

johnson's secretary of state proposed a  purchase of the territory for 7.2 million  

the act was branded seward's folly because  the territory was viewed as a polar icebox  

with no particular value that is until 1898 when  gold was discovered there and seward was like

Hey there and welcome back to Heimler’s History,  

and further welcome to Unit 7 of the AP  U.S. History curriculum which covers the  

time period 1898-1945. And this period kicks off  with the American foray into imperial expansion,  

so if you’re ready to get them brain cows  milked imperial-style, then let’s get to it.

Now as we consider American empire in this video,  we’re basically trying to do one thing: to explain  

the similarities and differences in attitudes  about the nation’s proper role in the world.

So, imperialism: what is it? Well, imperialism is  

a term that describes the expansion  of one country’s political, economic,  

and military influence over another country.  In other words, it’s the expansion of empire.  

And you might be like, “America ain’t no  empire, pssh.” But you would be wrong.

America went ahead and dipped its toes into the  imperialist waters with the purchase of Alaska in  

1867. You might recall that both Russia and Great  Britain laid competing claims to this territory,  

and so William Seward, who was Lincoln  and then Johnson’s secretary of state,  

proposed a purchase of the territory of 7.2  million dollars. The act was branded Seward’s  

Folly because the territory was viewed as a  polar icebox with no particular value. That is  

until 1898 when gold was discovered there and  Seward was like, [brushes off shoulder, heh].

And so with this territory in the bag, a territory  with no connection to the main territory of the  

UNited States, and furthermore a territory with  buttloads of gold buried in it, imperialistic  

expansion all of the sudden felt a lot more  desirable. Not to mention that territorial  

expansion was basically in the DNA of Americans.  The whole 19th century is basically the story of  

further westward expansion across the continent.  And when Frederick Jackson Turner shed a single  

tear and told everyone the dangers of the closing  of the frontier, everyone else shed a single tear  

with him, and then realized, “hey, there’s lots  of land in the world—we could just go take that.”

Thus began the push for American empire. And  we’re going to get into that more fully in  

the next video when we talk about the  Spanish American War, but for now,  

it’ll be important for you to know that  there was a fierce debate concerning  

imperial expansion between two groups: the  imperialists and the anti-imperialists.

The imperialists looked to gold discovered  in Alaska and concluded, “You know,  

if there’s valuable raw materials in Alaska,  

maybe there are valuable raw materials in other  places as well. We could just take those.” In  

addition to the desire for expanded access to  raw materials, imperialists also wanted to secure  

new markets for American made goods, including  both manufactured items and agricultural goods.

Additionally, imperialists took up that janky  pseudoscientific theory of Social Darwinism to  

justify expansion. Remember, Social Darwinism said  that if the natural order of things is that the  

strong eat the weak and only the fittest survive,  then why shouldn’t that also be the case with  

politics and economics. So to the imperialists,  American expansion was the means by which America  

could get upon the international stage and  flex its giant pectorals of liberty. After all,  

European nations had been expanding their empires  for centuries, and if America didn’t join the  

game, they might be seen as a second-class nation.  Maybe your pectorals aren’t as juicy as you think.

Additionally, there were racial motivations for  expansion, case in point, the reverend Josiah  

Strong’s book, Our Country: It’s Possible Future  and Present Crisis, which was published in 1885  

but really found purchase in this period.  Essentially, Strong argued that the white,  

Anglo-Saxon race was the pinnacle of human  evolution, and therefore was the fittest to  

survive. And as a Christian minister, he added a  gloss of religiosity to the mix as well. He argued  

that it was the Christian duty of the white race  to expand itself abroad and bring the glories of  

Christianity and western civilization to the  dark and backward lands of the world, which,  

as it turned out, was indeed Christian  duty. [I see what you did there.]

Also influencing the imperialists was a book  published in 1890 by Alfred Thayer Mahan called  

The Influence of Sea Power on History. Mahan  argued that any country that was strong on  

the world stage got that way because they had a  robust navy. And this, he argued, was the only  

way to truly secure the foreign markets that  the industrialists were lusting after. And so,  

persuaded by Mahan’s argument, Congress approved  the construction of a massive new steel fleet  

of ships. Now, it may seem to you like that  has nothing to do with imperial expansion,  

so let me show you how it does. If you’re  going to rule the world through a navy,  

then you’re going to need many strategic pieces  of land throughout the world where you can land  

that navy and refill it with coal and supplies.  And so under Mahan’s influence a great race began  

to secure many Pacific and Caribbean territories  that could facilitate American naval dominance.

Okay, so those are the main arguments coming out  of the imperialist camp. And now we’re going to  

consider the main arguments coming out of the  anti-imperialist camp. The main arguments for  

this group began with the principle of self  determination for nations. Self determination  

is the idea that a nation should be able to  decide for itself who ruled it and what laws  

were passed. And maybe that sounds familiar,  because those were the exact same arguments  

colonial Americans used to reject British rule. So  the anti-imperialists argued that if America began  

taking over less-powerful countries, they would  be robbed of the right to self-determination.

Add to that, anti-imperialists argued that  America had a long history of isolationism  

from foreign affairs. And they invoked George  Washington himself who, in his farewell speech,  

warned against foreign entanglement. They said  that if we go enmesh ourselves in territories  

and peoples around the globe, it’s going to  have consequences that are beyond our control:  

we’ll be drawn into wars and economic disputes  that we have no business participating in.

But the anti-imperialists also argued against  expansion with racial arguments just like the  

imperialists did. One of the main debates between  these two groups was this: did the Constitution  

follow the flag? In other words, if America goes  and plants a flag in the Philippines, for example,  

do those people become American citizens  endowed with American rights and privileges?  

Now anti-imperialists argued that the Constitution  SHOULD follow the flag. But that was not because  

they, in general, thought other nations  should be granted constitutional rights. For  

anti-imperialists, this was a kind of ruse to hide  what their true argument against imperialism was,  

namely, what happens when we take over  a country full of brown people—are  

they going to become citizens with full rights?  Of course not. So might as well not expand at all.

Okay, that’s what you need to know about Unit  7 topic 2 of the AP U.S. history curriculum.  

If you need more help on Unit 7, then check  this playlist right here. I’ve also got an  

Ultimate Review Packet that’ll help you get an  A in your class and a five on your exam in May,  

so if you’re in to that kind of  thing, click away. And finally,  

if you want me to keep making videos then you  can let me know by subscribing. Heimler out.