American Imperialism
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University of California, Irvine *
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INTERNATIO
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Political Science
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Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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AMERICAN IMPERIALISM
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American Imperialism
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The US was eager to expand globally in the second part of the 19th century. Economic, strategic,
and ideological factors drove its rise. This essay will analyze the US's desire to expand worldwide and the
techniques used to achieve so. It will also assess imperialism opponents' and supporters' arguments to
determine who made the stronger case. The US pursued worldwide growth for economic reasons. The
nation actively sought additional manufacturing and agricultural customers. International growth might
open new markets for US goods and assure a consistent supply of raw materials by building trade
channels. Hawaii provided sugar cane and a central Pacific trading position for this economic aim.
Economic reasons guiding the US' foreign expansion were closely related to the industrial revolution and
production capacity growth. As factories grew and technology advanced, international markets were
needed. This expansion boosted the economy and created jobs for the rising population. By trading
internationally, the US might diversify its revenue sources, lessening its dependence on one market and
strengthening its economy. This diversification strategy, epitomized by Hawaii's acquisition, became
American economic policy, enabling the nation's rise as a global economic powerhouse
Strategic concerns shaped US overseas growth. To protect its interests and ensure global military
projection, the US required naval bases and coaling facilities. Controlling vital maritime lanes and
building outposts in Guam and the Philippines were strategic reasons to capture such lands. The Panama
Canal construction showed the US's commitment to strategic expansion and global trade. Besides
acquiring naval bases and coaling facilities, geopolitics shaped the US' strategic development. The US
recognized geopolitics' influence on global events as the world became more intertwined. The U.S.
acquired lands to establish military outposts and counterbalance other developing global powers. US
strategic stance in the Pacific and Caribbean aims to maintain peace and dissuade possible adversaries
from threatening American interests. The Panama Canal was built to improve maritime trade and the
US's capacity to quickly deploy military forces, demonstrating the nation's strategic acumen and
worldwide power
Democracy and the belief that the US is unique drove its global expansion. Due to their superior
lifestyle and government, some Americans felt compelled to convert other nations. Manifest destiny
reinforced the perception that US westward expansion was inevitable. Imperialist supporters believed
the US owed poor nations democracy and Western values. This ideology also shaped America's global
growth. The confidence in democratic values and American exceptionalism fueled moral duty among its
citizenry. Many Americans saw their country as a beacon of liberty and progress, which inspired them to
extend democracy globally. American culture's belief in manifest destiny strengthened this sense of
inevitability, implying that the nation's destiny was to expand and promote its way of life. Imperialists
believed the US should spread democracy and Western values to impoverished nations. This ideological
enthusiasm justified abroad growth and drove America's worldwide politics and culture influence,
shaping its international role.
Imperialism was criticized for violating indigenous rights and American self-determination. They
said the US should focus on internal issues like social and economic injustice. Detractors also worried
about exploitation and regional unrest. Imperialists believed international expansion would boost
American strength and prosperity. They claimed that propagating American values may help the world's
poorest nations. Proponents also stressed protecting American interests and stopping unfriendly nations
from expanding into crucial regions. People felt growth would provide peace, progress, and protection
from outside threats.
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Both sides of the imperialist debate have valid points, but the imperialism supporters have the
better case. Access to new markets and resources, among other economic benefits of development,
helped the US achieve industrial and economic dominance. Strategic planning and naval base
construction strengthened America and protected its interests worldwide. American exceptionalism and
democracy helped justify American expansion morally.
In conclusion, late 19th-century US economic, strategic, and ideological interests in overseas growth.
Finding improved economic prospects, building strategic colonies, and believing in American
exceptionalism were important. Imperialists' arguments about economic gains, strategic considerations,
and American values were more convincing than opponents. This expansion made America a global
power and set the scene for its future.
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Work cited
https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/henry-cabot-lodge-pdf
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1866-1898/yellow-journalism
http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=53&page=transcript
http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=55&page=transcript