Origins Of American Imperialism

Origins of American Imperialism and Colonialism Imperialism:

Colony:

___________________________________________________________ 1. Why does Josiah Strong claim that the United States is the greatest civilization on Earth?

2. What characteristics does the Anglo-Saxon possess which, in Strong's mind, make him fit to rule?

3. What scientist's work does Strong use to make his case?

4. What does Strong believe will ultimately happen between the United States and the rest of the world?

You have been chosen by the State Department for the new job of “Colonial Analyst”. The implication from the President of the United States is clear: we need colonies, and we need them now. And you are going to be the one to find them. Your task is to examine the globe and determine the three areas most suitable for colonial expansion. In the process, you will be considering the goals of the United States, the ease with which the territory can be acquired, and how to get there. A joint State Department-War Department task force has developed a list of 6 possible areas of territorial expansion. The U.S. only has the resources for three, so you will have to think carefully. Here is what you will do. 1. Think about the goals of the United States when it comes to colonies. Do we want to colonize Protestant Christian or non-Christian countries? Areas that are relatively easy to get? 2. Analyze the data given to you by the task force to see which countries meet the goals you created in question 1. 3. Color the three colonies on the world map three different colors. 4. Draw lines to the countries from New York and Los Angeles showing the fastest way to reach the colony (after all, we need to get goods and services from there to here!). 5. Write a short memo explaining why you chose the countries you did.

MEMO:

TO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

As to your request given on this day, 1900, my office and I have come to the following conclusions. The list below indicates the three areas that are most suitable for American colonization based on our strategic goals and their availability. COLONY ONE [_______________________] Rationale:

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_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________. COLONY TWO [_______________________] Rationale:

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_______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________. COLONY THREE [_______________________] Rationale:

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_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Any questions should be directed to my office.

Grading Colonialism Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Group 7 Group 8 Colonies meet strategic goals of U.S.

Colonies further the cause of AngloSaxons

Colonies can be easily attained

Colonies are easy to get to

Colonies possess natural resources to help the U.S.

CLASSIFIED INFORMATION The following data was derived from a join War Department-State Department task force designed to analyze the most appropriate areas for American colonial expansion. All material contained herein is derived from public records as well as clandestine operations. PHILIPPINES: A mostly Roman Catholic country, the Philippines are located in the Pacific Ocean at a strategic juncture where Japanese, Chinese, and Malay trade all meet. Possesses many natural resources such as minerals, coconuts, rice, corn, sugar, and tobacco. Currently no centralized government. CANADA: Mostly Protestant, borders the United States. Liberal trade agreements with the United States means that we get most of our goods from them for cheap. Resources include gold, nickel, aluminum, wheat, and wood. Strong government and military, with support from the British Empire if invaded. LATIN AMERICA: Religiously, these areas are either Roman Catholic or still adhere to tribal religions. Possess numerous raw materials such as bananas, fish, wood, coconuts, and copper. Control of Latin America would provide further access to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, expanding trade routes. Most governments are fractured and weak, and there is currently substantial U.S. Involvement in the countries already.

GERMANY: Protestant country located in the center of Europe; control of Germany would provide the United States with the opportunity to control much of Europe's trade. Currently possesses the greatest army in the world, and has alliances with other nations who pledge to come to her assistance in the event of an invasion. Natural resources include natural gas, copper, nickel, and salt. CUBA: Island nation just off the coast of the United States (roughly 90 miles). Features rich deposits of natural resources; sugar, bananas, other huge cash crops, salt, iron, and nickel. Nation is currently a mix of Roman Catholic and (some) indigenous languages. Government is very unstable and not very united. NEW ZEALAND: Protestant country located off the coast of Australia deep in the Southern Hemisphere. Not situated near any major trading routes. Current natural resources include wool and natural gas. Government is very stable, and while there is little army or naval presence, both Australia and the rest of the British Empire would offer support in the event of an attack.