American Imperialism

American Imperialism

During the late nineteenth century America was a growing and prosperous country. The Civil War had ended and the United States was once again unified. As the United States gained more money and power, it looked to overseas trade to monopolize on their raw materials. The United States began to trade with Japan, China Latin America and other countries to acquire these distant resources. In order to protect these investments, the U.S. had place upon these foreign countries their political influence. The United States went to war with Spain in order to protect their investments. In the Spanish-American War the United States gained control of the Philippians, Cuba, and Puerto Rico all three territories were filled with coveted materials. While many agreed with America becoming an imperialist country, many believed it was against America's best interest to do so.

As America was becoming a world power, it set it eyes on foreign trade. In order to protect its investments the United States had to influence foreign countries government and thus become imperialistic. Many believed that a growing country, such as the U.S., would not be able to survive or become stronger if it did not extend its trade and influence. U.S. Navy officer, Alfred T. Mahan once said, "America must look outward. The growing production of the country demands it. An increasing volume of public sentiment demands it." In document two Mahan, believes that the people of the U.S. are behind imperialism.

After the Spanish-American War, the United States had acquired new territories. The United States did not want lose these possessions and desired to show the world that they are powerful. In document three, President McKinley speaks of how the U.S. should not give up the Philippines. McKinley says that if the U.S. gives the Philippines back to Spain it would be cowardly and dishonorable. If France or Germany were to acquire this foreign land it would be aiding there commercial rivals. McKinley also says that if they were left to govern themselves it would lead to anarchy and would be worse off than before. President McKinley expresses "White Man's Burden," and believes it was his countries God given right to govern the Philippines. President McKinley chose imperialism to secure trade with Asian countries.

Many believed in imperialism for economic reason while others believed in it because they thought God had chosen the Anglo-Saxon to become the leaders of the world. In document one, an excerpt from Reverend Josiah Strong's book "Our