Oklahoma Academic Standard 3. The student will analyze the expanding role of the United States in international affairs as America was transformed into a world power in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 1890 to 1920. 

Objective 3.1 Evaluate the impact of American imperialism on international relations and explain its impact on developing nations. 

  A. Compare the economic, religious, social, and political rationales for American imperialism, including the concept of “white man’s burden,” the annexation of Hawaii, the impact of Admiral Alfred T. Mahan, and the actions of the Anti-Imperialist League. 

In a Nutshell

With the closing of the frontier, the United States began expanding its influence globally to accomplish economic, social, and military goals. Students should understand that imperialism took on a variety of forms which shaped the social, political and cultural histories of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Latin America, the Philippines, and China. Our nation became an international powerhouse, needing new customers for its mass produced goods. In addition, these expanding markets required renewable resources found beyond our borders, which contributed to the economic motives of imperialism. It is important for students to understand multiple perspectives of both imperialists and anti-imperialists, as well as the views of peoples exploited or oppressed by the consequences of sometimes well-meaning motivations.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Assist students to reinforce critical thinking by evaluating and challenging ideas and assumptions about the reasons behind imperialist policy goals and the backlash against imperialist actions.   

• Evaluate how multiple, complex events are shaped by the unique circumstances of time and place, as well as broader historical contexts to understand the global context of imperialism and objections to it.   

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• Alfred T. Mahan, William Seward, Queen Lilliuokalani, Sanford Dole, Emilio Aguinaldo, John Hay

• colonialism, empire, expansion, imperialism, annexation,  protectorate

• Boxer Rebellion, annexation of Hawaii

• Foraker Act, Platt Amendment,  Open Door policy

• Some students find it challenging to comprehend the economic goals of expansion as necessary to obtain markets for domestic products.

• Some students have limited prior knowledge of the damaging effect of American imperialism on the indigenous rights of people, such as the Hawaiian population. 

Instructional Resources