Origins of

American
Imperialism and
Colonialism
Imperialism:

Colony:

___________________________________________________________
1. Why does Josiah Strong claim that the United States is
the greatest civilization on Earth?

2. What characteristics does the Anglo-Saxon possess

which, in Strong's mind, make him fit to rule?

3. What scientist's work does Strong use to make his

case?

4. What does Strong believe will ultimately happen

between the United States and the rest of the world?
You have been chosen by the State Department for the new job of
“Colonial Analyst”. The implication from the President of the
United States is clear: we need colonies, and we need them
now. And you are going to be the one to find them.

Your task is to examine the globe and determine the three areas
most suitable for colonial expansion. In the process, you will
be considering the goals of the United States, the ease with
which the territory can be acquired, and how to get there.

A joint State Department-War Department task force has

developed a list of 6 possible areas of territorial expansion.
The U.S. only has the resources for three, so you will have to
think carefully. Here is what you will do.

1. Think about the goals of the United States when it comes to

colonies. Do we want to colonize Protestant Christian or
non-Christian countries? Areas that are relatively easy to
get?
2. Analyze the data given to you by the task force to see
which countries meet the goals you created in question 1.
3. Color the three colonies on the world map three different
colors.
4. Draw lines to the countries from New York and Los Angeles
showing the fastest way to reach the colony (after all, we
need to get goods and services from there to here!).
5. Write a short memo explaining why you chose the countries
you did.
 MEMO: TO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

As to your request given on this day, 1900, my office and I

have come to the following conclusions.

The list below indicates the three areas that are most suitable
for American colonization based on our strategic goals and
their availability.

COLONY ONE [_______________________]

Rationale: ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________.

COLONY TWO [_______________________]

Rationale: ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________.

COLONY THREE [_______________________]

Rationale: ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Any questions should be directed to my office.

 Grading Colonialism
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Group 7 Group 8
Colonies
meet
strategic
goals of
U.S.

Colonies
further
the cause
of
Anglo-
Saxons

Colonies
can be
easily
attained

Colonies
are easy
to get to

Colonies
possess
natural
resources
to help
the U.S.
 CLASSIFIED INFORMATION

The following data was derived from a join War Department-State

Department task force designed to analyze the most appropriate
areas for American colonial expansion. All material contained
herein is derived from public records as well as clandestine
operations.

PHILIPPINES: A mostly Roman Catholic country, the Philippines

are located in the Pacific Ocean at a strategic juncture where
Japanese, Chinese, and Malay trade all meet. Possesses many
natural resources such as minerals, coconuts, rice, corn,
sugar, and tobacco. Currently no centralized government.

CANADA: Mostly Protestant, borders the United States. Liberal

trade agreements with the United States means that we get most
of our goods from them for cheap. Resources include gold,
nickel, aluminum, wheat, and wood. Strong government and
military, with support from the British Empire if invaded.

LATIN AMERICA: Religiously, these areas are either Roman

Catholic or still adhere to tribal religions. Possess numerous
raw materials such as bananas, fish, wood, coconuts, and
copper. Control of Latin America would provide further access
to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, expanding trade
routes. Most governments are fractured and weak, and there is
currently substantial U.S. Involvement in the countries
already.
GERMANY: Protestant country located in the center of Europe;
control of Germany would provide the United States with the
opportunity to control much of Europe's trade. Currently
possesses the greatest army in the world, and has alliances
with other nations who pledge to come to her assistance in the
event of an invasion. Natural resources include natural gas,
copper, nickel, and salt.

CUBA: Island nation just off the coast of the United States
(roughly 90 miles). Features rich deposits of natural
resources; sugar, bananas, other huge cash crops, salt, iron,
and nickel. Nation is currently a mix of Roman Catholic and
(some) indigenous languages. Government is very unstable and
not very united.

NEW ZEALAND: Protestant country located off the coast of

Australia deep in the Southern Hemisphere. Not situated near
any major trading routes. Current natural resources include
wool and natural gas. Government is very stable, and while
there is little army or naval presence, both Australia and the
rest of the British Empire would offer support in the event of
an attack.