How did the following affect imperialism...?

Question

a) Immigration
b) the frontier
c) 1893 Depression
d) science
e) Social Darwinism

Answer 1

All of the factors you have mentioned have been tagged as reasons for American Imperialism of the late nineteenth century(I assume you mean, from your references, American Imperialism), but none of them are true reasons for the American adventure into imperialism. America had ample land, resources, economic strength, and competitive military strength, all in such abundance as to militate against such international involvement. The factors you have mentioned played a part in imperialism, but were not the root of involvement in and of themselves.

The true reason for American Imperialism is simply that America was keeping up with the European powers, which were rapidly dividing the globe between themselves, and America, as a "great power", did not want to be left out.

Now, that is the real answer to your question, but as it appears that you are asking for reasons of homework(I suspect this is the case), I will give you the textbook reasons for each point you have listed:

a) Immigration: The influx of immigrants caused pressure for land and resources, and created a perceived threat to the dominance of the established population on the American business scene. Imperialism was seen as a way to ease the pressures of immigration by opening up new lands and resources for development, and for population migration and relocation.

b) The Frontier: With the closing of the frontier in 1890's, new lands were sought to provide ample opportunities for continued development; American energy was at its all-time high, and new areas of commerce, investment, development, and exploitation were sought. *special emphasis on the last named--exploitation*

c) 1893 Depression: The 1893 Depression destroyed the savings of millions of Americans, and imperialism was seen as a way to provide opportunity for economic growth and employment, and at a time when many Americans were willing to take the initiative and embark on new ventures.

d) Science: Science enabled conquest of areas in ways and at levels previously impossible; man's ingenuity had arrived at such state that it was put to use in the advancement of imperialism, in stronger fashion than ever before. Medicine was bringing tropical diseases under control, the railroad was traversing great stretches of land, ships allowed transport of men and munitions to far off lands....all of this helped make imperialism easier, and thus tempting.

e) Social Darwinism: The idea that some races were meant to rule was well-ingrained by the end of the Nineteenth Century, and this being the case, guilty consciences were eased towards imperialism. It was far more palatable to believe that what one's country was doing was in the best interest of the native population, rather than view it in terms of conquest and exploitation. The ideas of "Manifest Destiny" and Kipling's "White Man's Burden" helped promote imperialism effectively.

Answer 2

Science allowed for faster communication and travel. Telephones, telegraphs, intercontinental railroads, faster ships.

Immigration had more people filling in the west so we wanted to take more land. Texas, Mexican war, boundary with Canada, Hawaii, Alaska purchase, etc.

Social Darwinism had Americans beleiving we were superior to Mexicans, and Native Americans and Filipinos.

The frontier was filling in so we had to expand even more--Phillipines, Hawaii, etc.

Answer 3

F. Microsoft...

(((Jack)))...you really turn me on when you're in historical mode...LOL

Answer 4

mmmm imperialism