Lesson 1: Defining U.S. Imperialism

What is U.S. imperialism?

U.S. imperialism is defined as: Attempts at expansion based on the belief that the United States needed to spread its notion of liberty and democracy and secure land and other resources to compete with Europe 

"U.S. Imperialism in Latin America" Video

“In every part of the world, even the deserts, the United States had established its hotels and imposed the American Way of Life, the cocktail lounge, the lobby, the bathroom with its seats covers and toilet paper (smooth as a rose petal)” Source: The Mexican Reader by Gilbert and Timothy, p. 559 

Key Terms

American Exceptionalism: Belief that the U.S. has a unique mission among other nations and must spread the belief of democracy 

Eurocentrism: World view centered around Western civilization 

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century belief held by the United States that they had to expand their country 

Unincorporated Territory: A territory that is possessed by the United States but it is not part of the U.S. and not all Constitutional rights have to apply within the territory.

Political Cartoon:

Analyze:

Lesson Activities

Activity 1.1: Political Cartoon Analysis

Activity 1.2: Compare and Contrast U.S. Imperialism in Latin American Documents