The Roots of American Imperialism: Why Nations Expand

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video explores the rise of American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, investigating why the United States chose to expand its influence beyond its continental borders. Through clear analogies and historical examples, the narrator defines imperialism and examines the complex motivations behind it, including economic business interests, national pride (jingoism), and controversial ideologies like Social Darwinism. The video specifically uses Hawaii as a primary case study to illustrate these concepts in action. The content dives deep into the ideological landscape of the era, contrasting the concept of Manifest Destiny with the emerging drive for overseas expansion. It highlights the fierce debate between expansionists, who argued for economic growth and military strength, and anti-expansionists, who raised ethical concerns about freedom, sovereignty, and the rights of native populations. The video takes a firm stance on historical ethics, explicitly identifying Social Darwinism as a racist and harmful ideology similar to the justifications used for slavery. For educators, this video serves as an excellent primer for units on U.S. foreign policy, the Spanish-American War, or the turn of the 20th century. It breaks down high-level vocabulary into accessible terms—like comparing imperialism to a game of chess—making abstract political concepts concrete for students. The built-in pause points and reflection questions allow teachers to facilitate immediate classroom discussions about power dynamics, ethics in international relations, and the legacy of historical decisions in the modern world.