Why Did the U.S. Engage in Imperialism?

 

Needs of the Industrial Revolution:

     new sources of raw materials

     new markets for finished goods

     places to invest surplus capital

 

Closing of the Frontier:

     caused investors to look beyond our

     borders for new economic opportunities

 

Example set by Europe:

     Scramble for Africa

     British Egypt

     French Indochina

     Belgian Congo

 

American Nationalism:

     feeling that America should assume its

           rightful place in the world

     Lectures and writings of Alfred Mahan:

     The Influence of Sea Power

           America should look outward

                expand foreign markets

                construct foreign bases