American Imperialism

Imperialism is the forceful extension of a nation's authority by territorial conquest or by establishing economic and political domination of other nations that are not its colonies, with this expansion of a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Imperialism is the control of one or a number of countries by a dominant nation. The control may be political, economic or both. It indicates a degree of independence in the subordinate nation. Imperialism was promoted by monopolizing the external trade of the subordinate nation. The imperial power takes raw materials from the colony and sells its finished goods in return, discouraging the development of any manufacturing company that may compete with its own. I will cover why the policy was adopted, how it was rationalized, and major events of this time, and why some many cultures have suffered and were against this act due to imperial domination.

American Imperialism has been a part of United States history ever since the American Revolution. American Imperialism was adopted because The US was never completely isolated from the rest of the world. Trade made the US an active member of world affairs. It was during the period of the 1890s that the US foreign policy became influenced by imperialism. During that decade, the US became the most important industrial power in the world. That meant we had to find markets and areas to obtain raw materials. Business was also looking at other areas in the world as potential customers for our products. The United States expanded its role as an imperialistic nation in the 19th century, by which seeked to expand and maintain control or influence over weaker nations or peoples. There were three main factors of American imperialism economic reasons, politics, military strength and culture change. Debates for and against American Imperialism of the nineteenth century suggest there was an alternative. Looking at the nation where it had come from and the events surrounding it there are others that suggest otherwise.

Anti-Imperialist League did not agree with the way the United States controlled the other nations. The American Anti-Imperialist League which was founded in 1899, after the United States occupied Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Island. The Anti-Imperialist League was founded "in order to campaign against the annexation of the Philippines." (Carl Schurz 1913) There were many policies that the League was trying to put in place. The league protested and stated that, "the policy known as imperialism is hostile to liberty and tends towards militarism." (Carl Schurz 1913) They contended that all men are entitled to life, liberty, and happiness. They accused the government of being "disloyal to the principles of government and called it criminal aggression." (Carl Schurz 1913) Another policy that the league attacked was "the policy of the present national administration