American Imperialism At University Of Phoenix

American Imperialismhst165 Version 22university Of Phoenix Materialam

Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914. Discuss why each area was important to American empire building (political, economic, and social). Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some of the factors that justified American imperialist actions? Identify the current political status of these places in relation to the United States.

Answer each of the following prompts with a response of at least 200 to 300 words: Trace the path of American imperialism during the period from about 1870 to 1914 through political, military, and economic events. Why was the United States interested in expansion in these areas? Why was America building a global empire?

What were the benefits of America’s imperialistic actions for the people in these countries or areas? What were the disadvantages? How would you describe their experiences in terms of being conquered, assimilated, or marginalized?

What were the moral implications of American imperialism? How did Imperialists justify their actions? How did the Anti-Imperialists justify their position? Consider the role of race, economics, science, and religion.

What significance did the Spanish-American War have in the development of the United States as an empire and world power? Do you think the United States is currently an imperialist country? Why or why not? Cite and reference all information sources according to appropriate course level APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The period from 1870 to 1914 marks a significant era in American history characterized by aggressive expansionism and the establishment of an overseas empire. This expansion was driven by a combination of political ambitions, economic interests, and a social desire to spread American values. During this time, the United States engaged in imperialistic actions across various regions, including the Caribbean, Pacific, and Latin America, each serving strategic and economic purposes.

Key areas of U.S. imperialism include Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Hawaii. The interests in these areas were multifaceted. For example, Cuba was vital because of its strategic position near Florida and the Caribbean, serving as a gateway to Latin America and facilitating control over the Caribbean Sea. The annexation of Hawaii was motivated by the desire to establish a naval base at Pearl Harbor, which allowed for greater influence in the Pacific. The Philippines and Guam held strategic importance for controlling sea routes and establishing naval bases to project American power globally.

The justification for these imperialist actions was rooted in a set of expansionist ideals, often framed as a mission to civilize and Modernize non-American territories—a concept rooted in racial superiority and cultural superiority, commonly associated with Social Darwinism. These ideas rationalized the subjugation and control of less developed nations as a moral duty. Economically, acquiring overseas territories opened new markets for American goods and access to vital raw materials, facilitating economic growth and industrial expansion. Politically, empire-building increased America's influence on the global stage, making it a major world power.

In terms of current political status, the territories acquired during this period, such as Puerto Rico and Guam, remain U.S. territories with varying degrees of self-governance. The Philippines gained independence in 1946 but still retains close ties to the United States through defense and economic policies. These areas serve as strategic military bases and economic partners, illustrating the lasting influence of the imperialist ambitions of the early 20th century.

The path of American imperialism during this period was marked by important military conflicts, notably the Spanish-American War of 1898, which symbolized the U.S. shift from continental expansion to overseas imperialism. Politically, the war resulted in Spain ceding control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. The war demonstrated America's willingness to use military force to attain strategic goals and highlighted the transition to a global imperial power.

Economically, the Spanish-American War opened new markets and lucrative investment opportunities in these regions, further integrating the U.S. into the global economy. The war's aftermath saw increased U.S. military presence and influence in the Caribbean and Pacific, establishing a foundation for future interventions and sovereignty assertions. Militarily, it marked the beginning of a sustained overseas military presence that would evolve into a significant military influence, exemplifying the country’s imperialist expansion.

The imperialist pursuits of the United States were justified by many as a moral obligation to civilize and uplift inferior peoples, frequently citing racial and cultural superiority. Proponents argued that spreading Christianity, democracy, and Western civilization was a divine and progressive mission. Conversely, anti-imperialists accused such actions of imperialist greed, cultural arrogance, and violation of American principles of self-determination and democracy. Figures like Mark Twain and William Jennings Bryan vocally opposed imperialism, emphasizing the undermining of American values and the moral cost of domination.

The moral debate centered around the ethics of using force and the implications of racial hierarchies. Imperialists believed that white Western civilization was superior and had a duty to govern non-Western peoples, whereas anti-imperialists considered it morally wrong to subjugate other nations and impose American values through coercion.

The Spanish-American War had profound implications for America's emergence as a global empire. It marked the beginning of American overseas territorial control and demonstrated the U.S.’s willingness to project military power. The conflict reinforced the idea of Manifest Destiny extending beyond continental borders, contributing to a new era of American imperialism.

Today, discussions about American imperialism remain relevant. While some argue that the U.S. maintains an imperialist stance through military interventions, economic influence, and political dominance, others contend that these actions are purely strategic or defensive measures. The U.S. continues to exert influence globally, often justifying interventions as necessary for national security or promoting democracy and stability, which reflects the legacy of early imperialist ambitions.

References

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• Brookhiser, R. (2002). Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington. Free Press.
• Herring, G. C. (2002). The American Century: A History of the United States Since the 1890s. Oxford University Press.
• Laris, M. (2017). The U.S. and Cuba: From conflict to engagement. Foreign Affairs, 96(4), 118–130.
• McKinney, M. (2012). The Spanish-American War: A brief history. Military History Magazine.
• Mueller, J. (2000). The Iraq War and the Bush Doctrine. Foreign Affairs, 79(3), 62–83.
• Nash, G. B. (2010). Wages of Empire: The American Soldier and the Making of the British Empire. Harvard University Press.
• Offner, J. L. (1992). The United States and the origins of the Spanish-American War. The Journal of American History, 79(2), 509–531.
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