Era:

The U.S. Becomes a

World Power
(1890-1920)
Introduction
In the years following the Civil War, the US began to pay more and
more attention to what was going on in the rest of the world. It
emerged as a major world power.
The US continued to expand. It got land by buying it, going to war,
and by giving smaler countries help. Just like any landlord, America
had problems with some of these new holdings.
The US used the Monroe Doctrin as a reason for getting involved
with Latin America.
Then all too soon, America had been drawn into a great war in
Europe. Following that war, when things were looking positive, the
nation was suddenly in the worst shape it had been in since the
Civil War.

Progressive Era
Womens rights
Immigrants
Working Conditions
Unions
Health / Safety

At the same time, the U.S. was growing
stronger as a military and world leader.

The U.S. became a world power by:
1. Extending its power
over other territories
and nations
(Imperialism)

2. Helping to win WWI
Imperialism continued
Main Idea
Beginning in 1867 and continuing through the
century, global competition caused the United States
to expand.
Why it Matters Now
During this time period, the US acquired Hawaii and
Alaska, both of which later became states in 1959.
(1893- Queen Liliuokalani surrendered to the US soldiers and
foreigners who planned to overthrow her monarchy.)

Reasons for Imperialism
Industrial Revolution
After the Civil War, U.S.
industry grew rapidly and
industrialists looked
overseas for:
New sources of raw materials
More markets to sell goods
New places to invest money
Reasons for Imperialism
Closing of the American
Frontier
By 1890 the West was
populated enough to be
considered closed
As a result, U.S.
manufacturers looked
overseas for new economic
opportunities
Reasons for Imperialism
Examples of European Nations
European nations were engaged in
imperialism
EnglandSuez Canal, India, Africa
FranceAfrican & Middle East
RussiaEast Asia
GermanyPacific & Africa
European imperialism stimulated
American imperialism
Reason 1 for Imperialism: Thirst for
new markets
American Nationalism
Expansionists urged the U.S.
to take overseas colonies
through imperialism
Captain Alfred Mahans book
The Influence of Sea Power
Upon History urged the U.S. to:
Expand foreign markets
Build a powerful navy
Acquire overseas bases
Reason 2 for Imperialism
Cultural Superiority
Social Darwinism
Many American believed it was Americas
duty to elevate uncivilized people
around the world
They used Darwins theory of survival of
the fittest to justify their ideas
Social Darwinism states that uncivilized cultures
cant take care of themselves and will soon die
off. Therefore, it is the duty of the civilized
nations to take over and control them.
Reason 3 for Imperialism: Military Strength
President Teddy Roosevlet
Urged European nations to
stay out of the Western
Hemisphere
Roosevelts Big Stick
Policy
The U.S. would take on the
role of regional policeman in
the Western Hemisphere
Allowed U.S to extend its
power over Central and South
America