American Imperialism In The Nineteenth Century

In this paper, I will be discussing at the America Imperialism in the nineteen century. With a brief summary about what is American Imperialism and also will include why the policy was adopted and how it was rationalized, talk about an event of the times. “Imperialism is defined as the acquisition of control over the government and the economy of another nation, usually by conquest. The United States became am imperialistic world power in the late nineteenth century by gaining control over the Hawaiian Island and , after the Spanish war (1898) Guam, the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico”(Davidson, Delay, Heyrman, Lytle, &Stroff. 2008, pg. G-4). The obstruction in foreign affair by the United States was not supported by everyone .In the year of 1899 the attempt to stop what some considered an invasion that was founded by the American Anti-Imperialist League.

What was the America Imperialism movement? The start of American Imperialism started with the Spanish-American war, which lead to American Imperialism Movement. Beginning in the late 1800’s with an end this time America “turn the vision of an empire in more distance land in Asia, Latin American, they would come upon other nation-old imperial power, Great Britain, Belgium Spain, and new comer Germany and Japan”.(Davidson, Delay,Heyrman, Lytle, &Stroff(2008)pg611). To try to understand we must realize what this mean for any country trying to build more wealth and try to gain more power, to take over and control of new territories. “Jose Marti returns to Cuba to renew the colony’s struggle for independence for independence from Spain.” (Davidson, Delay,Heyrman, Lytle, &Stroff(2008)pg616). Marti, he had cut railroad line, destroyed sugar mills, and set fire to the cane fields. Later on Spanish had struck back at Marti and his devotee with vicious force. The battle between United States and Spain had ended but before it was over Spanish-American War leave Spain overpowered and banished from the western Hemisphere, now that Cuba in free of Spanish rule, “the United States with new colonial possession in the Pacific and the Caribbean.” “For better or worse, American moment had arrived (Davidson, Delay,Heyrman, Lytle, &Stroff(2008)pg617).

The United States adopted the policy of imperialism because United State saw the possible to have power over foreign markets and earn enormous amounts of money. “The speed and efficiency with which Europeans expanded prompted many Americans to argue for this European-style imperialism of conquest and possession”. (Davidson, Delay, Heyrman, Lytle, Stoff (2008) pg611).

Why was imperialism adopted and how was it rationalized. There is some reason why the policy adopted. The United Stated became the most power industrial in the world. Other countries were expansion their possibility by opening up new trade markets and commonly audacity of new colonies and indicating their strength. The United States engaged in several expansions that will include but not restricted to Hawaii, Philippines, and ultimately through the Spanish-American war of1898, Cuba.

“With Abraham Lincoln that “no man is good enough to govern another man without the other’s consent. When the white main governs himself, that is self government, but when he governs himself and also governs another man, that is more that self-government-that is despotism”. (Fordham)

“The term imperialism has a negative sound to it, as it means a forceful or covert expansion into unwilling territories. However, it has also ushered many smaller countries onto the path of development. Following are some pros and cons of imperialism.” (buzzle.com).

Pros

Most superpowers brought with them modern technologies and introduced industrialization in smaller nations, boosting the economy.

Introduced the concept of a democratically elected popular government to ensure political stability.

Education and scientific thinking was introduced and encouraged.

Better health care facilities were provided.

New transportation systems such as rail, road sea and air were introduced.

New languages, religions and a new way of life were introduced.

The imperialists countries gained cheap, efficient workforce.

Food production increased due to better farming methods. (buzzle.com).

Cons

Nations that resisted growth or expansions in their territory led to widespread genocide and ethnic cleansing.

Obtaining valuable natural resources became a bone of contention between the developed countries, resulting in political foul play.

New religions were forced upon and native belief was discredited.

Most traditional culture and languages were simply wiped away.

Natural resources were exploited, without giving actual due.

Labor was discriminated and forced into slavery, and had their basic rights taken away.

Many Asians and Africans were shipped to America and England, against their will as plantation slave labor. (buzzle.com).

“Imperialism has its own positive aspects, but in the longer run when greed takes over the reason for helping another nation, it leads to destruction of a nation, and generations to come are severely impacted by the actions of few.” (buzzle.com).

” The people supported this decision because they believed in the manifest destiny of the United States, the need to bring democracy to all.”( associatedcontent.com).

America had the potential to become one of the great powers of the world, but they had to break out of their isolated shell in order to gain power. (associatedcontent.com).