18-1 Critical Thinking #s 3 & 5

How do you think manifest destiny set the stage for American imperialism at the end of the century?

Manifest destiny was pretty much always about westward expansion and its no different here. American continued its expansion by purchasing Alaska and taking over Hawaii, all in the same year. The purchase of Alaska was a large asset to business in the US. This huge state, which was bought by Russia, only cost 2 cents an acre. Not only that, bot there were some spots in the northern part of the state with an immense amount of gold. There were also supplies of oil and lumber coming from the area as well. Therefore, the purchase of Alaska was a good example of manifest destiny. (551)
However, the way America obtain Hawaii is a better example of imperialism. Americans were anxious to "pluck the now ripe Hawaiian pear." Therefore, the government simply sent troops to the islands and claim ownership of them. The Queen Liliuokalani sent a letter asking the states to be reasonable and give her kingdom, or so she called it, back. The American Government simply declined. This is a perfect example of imperialism, where a stronger nation extends their economic, political or, in this case, military control over weaker territories. (548)
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In the following passage, how does Indian Senator Albert J. Beveridge explain the need for the US to acquire new territories?

Senator Beveridge's reason is quite clear once in his statement. "We will establish trading posts throughout the world as distributing points for American products..." Beveridge wants to expand the countries territory to sell products from America. Hes in it for the benefits if Big Business. Once our country owned places such as Alaska and Hawaii, the businessmen had more opportunities to sell than to fellow Americans and Europe. With Hawaii, they could sail from Pearl Harbor to places such as Hong Kong or Japan. And from Alaska, they could sell items in the northern region of Canada, as well as Russia.