key term - Alaska & Hawaii Expansion

Definition

The Alaska and Hawaii Expansion refers to the U.S. acquisition of Alaska in 1867 and Hawaii in 1898, which were significant events in the context of America's pursuit of Manifest Destiny. These expansions reflect the broader ambition to extend U.S. territory across the continent and into the Pacific, driven by economic interests, strategic military considerations, and the belief in American exceptionalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alaska was purchased from Russia for $7.2 million, a deal often criticized at the time but later recognized for its vast natural resources.
2. Hawaii became a strategic naval base for the U.S., especially with the establishment of Pearl Harbor, which played a critical role during World War II.
3. The annexation of Hawaii was partly driven by economic interests, particularly in sugar production, and involved significant involvement from American planters in Hawaii's political landscape.
4. The acquisition of Alaska significantly expanded U.S. territory, making it the largest state in America and providing access to rich resources like oil, gold, and fish.
5. Both expansions were met with resistance from indigenous populations and sparked debates about American imperialism and its implications.

Review Questions

• How did the acquisitions of Alaska and Hawaii exemplify the principles of Manifest Destiny?
  • The acquisitions of Alaska and Hawaii illustrated Manifest Destiny by showcasing America's desire to expand its territory beyond its continental borders. Both acquisitions were driven by the belief that it was America's destiny to spread its influence and civilization across North America and into the Pacific. These territories not only increased land holdings but also provided strategic military positions and economic opportunities that aligned with the notion of American exceptionalism.
• Evaluate the economic motivations behind the expansion into Alaska and Hawaii during the late 19th century.
  • The economic motivations for expanding into Alaska and Hawaii were primarily focused on resource acquisition and trade opportunities. In Alaska, valuable resources like oil, gold, and fish attracted interest and investment from American businesses. In Hawaii, American planters sought to secure profitable sugar plantations, leading to increased political influence in Hawaiian affairs. These economic drivers demonstrated how commercial interests played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during this period of expansion.
• Analyze the consequences of Alaska and Hawaii's expansion on indigenous populations and American foreign policy.
  • The expansion into Alaska and Hawaii had profound consequences for indigenous populations, leading to significant cultural disruption and loss of autonomy as U.S. governance took hold. In both cases, native peoples faced challenges to their land rights, traditional lifestyles, and sovereignty due to American expansionist policies. This expansion also marked a shift in American foreign policy toward imperialism, as it demonstrated a willingness to exert control over distant territories for strategic advantages, setting a precedent for future interventions in international affairs.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Seward's Folly: The nickname given to the purchase of Alaska from Russia, named after Secretary of State William H. Seward, who advocated for the acquisition despite initial public skepticism.

Annexation:

The formal act of acquiring territory, which in this case applies to the U.S. taking control of Hawaii and Alaska.