1 Imperialism (#3) In the late 1800s a strong feeling of imperialistic ideal went through all of the

United States. This ideal fueled a strong debate to gain more land or to leave the territory as it is. Many Americans believed primary concern of U.S. was an Anglo-Saxon Idealism or the belief of social Darwinism which meant they needed to be the example of the world and helping all the less fortunate colonies was the white mans burden. Some Americans believed the population was growing at a vast rate and resources would be dried up. Other concerns were industries had over produced and under consumed goods and needed to open trade to colonies. Enemies to the new foreign policy had reasoning such as it was just not needed, it was too expensive for America, and they did not believe in conquest of foreign people and their lands for U.S. usage. Albert J. Beveridge was an advocate for imperialism and used religion to justify his claims. The anti-imperialist league was a strong opponent to imperialism and believed administration of un-American areas would be the complete opposite of American ideals and abandonment of the constitution. American Imperialism was thought to be a mix of humanitarian ideal and economic advancement. The United States had many advocators to gain more territory. The United States had a primary belief of a strong white dominance ideal. Americans believed it was the white mans burden to care for all the less fortunate countries. This led to the belief if they did not help all the countries in need they were not living up to their duty. Another reason for the imperialism was to gain greater trade power. The Americans wanted to have a strong trading force just like most of the countries in Europe. This meant they needed to take control of colonies just like England or Spain had done to become a powerful empire. The Americans use a wide variety of techniques to gain land such as helping the peoples

2 revolt against their leaders to gain their trust. An example was the Cubans, they had felt oppressed by Spain and had created a rebellion to withstand against the Spanish. America decided after a period of time to finally intervene with the war after they had believed their ship was blown by Spain. Eventually Spain had come to terms and the Cubans were freed. Under this policy the Americans had taken over most Spanish inquisitions in the Caribbean sea. The revolutionaries had peacefully become under American rule because of their help during the uprising but U.S. had stated Cubans would be free. Hawaii had become easily taken over by the Americans because its government and high officials had been primarily ran by Whites and they expressed their need to be annexed. U.S. stated they need to be controlled and not become unruly then took most of the islands the U.S. had helped under control. All these ways showed how many diverse ways America had quickly taken over lands in Caribbean and Pacific creating a vast global empire. Beveridges the March of the Flag showed great support for the actions of the Americans imperializing. He used religious pathos stating God has chosen Americans as the imperial chosen ones, and have bin sprung as the most masterful ones. This explains how Americans feel it is not just a ideal but a duty to God to take control of more lands and create a vats opportunity. He stresses it is our job and if not done so we are a waste of Gods creation. Enemies of the Imperialistic view formed a group called the Anti-imperialistic league. This leagues primary goal was to guide people away from imperializing foreign cultures land. They sought out to battle against McKinley and his views. They believed Americans violated the constitution by not governing of the consent of the governed. This meant the people America had so called helped and ruled over did not want to be ruled by Americans. The imperialists retaliated by stating only the people who have

3 consent are the ones who are distinguished enough to be able to rule themselves. The antiimperialists believed it was too expensive to be taking over these lands and it was not needed in life. It explained they thought America would be fine with the land that it has and it wanted to strengthen its own borders to top condition before spreading. Expanding to other colonies they believed would drain America of its soldiers and of its finances leading to depressions. The imperialistic view was a combination of economic goals and humanitarian goals. The Americans were believed to be the dominant example of the world and had to help other lands that were in need. This was a complete humanitarian goal and Americans truly believed they were Gods chosen ones and it was their burden to help everyone. Americans had also believed in Economic prosperity through gaining more lands because of the greater trading power of having colonies, and that America needed to gain more natural resources because of the vast growing population. Both of these goals were a combination of economic and humanitarian, not only one goal was the presiding factor to invade other colonies or lands. In conclusion, the end of the 19th century was a strong imperialistic time. Concerns were of having an anglo saxan dominance, being chosen ones, industries had over produced and under consumed goods and needed to open trade to colonies. Enemies to the new foreign policy had reasoning such as it was just not needed, it was too expensive for America, and they did not believe in conquest of foreign people and their lands for U.S. usage