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.