Hawaii and the Rise of American Imperialism
In 1893, U.S. Marines landed on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. American settlers overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy and established a new government. A few years later, Hawaii was annexed by the United States, marking the beginning of a new era of American expansion overseas. After the Civil War, most Americans focused on rebuilding the South, industrializing, and settling the West.
By the 1880s, however, more Americans wanted the United States to become a global power. They sought new overseas markets, worried about competition from other nations, and embraced ideas such as Social Darwinism, which viewed nations as competing for survival and power. By the early 20th Century, the United States was ready to expand its influence around the world.
Lesson Express
Q: After the Civil War, did Americans want to expand their influence? What do you think impacted that perspective?
A: No, most Americans were not interested in expanding influence. Students may mention that the country had just fought a war, so many people were still rebuilding.
Q: What factors changed Americans’ minds about expanding onto the world stage?
A: Influential factors included settlers moving west, a concern about being able to sell goods overseas, and cultural superiority.
Q: What can you infer about the overthrow of Hawaii’s monarchy?
A: It happened quickly and marked the beginning of a new era of U.S. imperialism.