Imperialism In Hawaii Dbq Essay

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Imperialism is a style of government that strives to expand its territory by either invading other nations or forcing them to submit to its control through political means. Countries engaged in imperialism to expand their territory and power. In America during the 1860s, industrialization was on the rise which increased the demand for raw materials to support the mass production of goods and the growing population of the Country. America sought to capture Hawaii because of the island's abundant resources. During this time, Hawaii was governed by a monarchy and was home to many American planters who benefited from the rich resources. The United States annexed Hawaii because of the desire for new markets and cultural superiority which improved …show more content…

Cultural Superiority was the belief that the US was above other countries and it was their duty to spread civilization to “inferior” people. Document 2 is an excerpt from a speech made by US Minister John L. Stevens. The speech states, “There is a considerable number of intelligent, energetic, and excellent citizens… But these unaided and alone people cannot make the necessary changes in the existing conditions of things”(Doc 2). The author believes that there are many intelligent people in Hawaii but their potential is being wasted as they are unable to be successful with the current conditions under Hawaiian rule. He feels that the US must intervene and seize control of the government in order to provide the Hawaiian people with a secure setting in which they can be successful. Document 6 is an excerpt from a journal article advocating for the annexation of Hawaii. The document explains many reasons for the annexation including the idea of Cultural superiority. The text states, “It is the duty of the United States to extend its free institutions to other quarters of the globe wherever possible (doc 6). The United States believed since they were superior to everyone else, they had a duty to help other countries be like them. The United States used this idea as a justification for imperialism, they argued that instead of conquering a civilization, they were simply helping it. This idea is racist and unfair because it argues that Americans are automatically superior to all other nationalities just because of where they are