American Imperialism: Compare And Contrast Two Of America's

American Imperialismcompare And Contrast Two Of Americas Imperialist

Compare and contrast two of America’s imperialist actions using the information from the chart. As you research these consider the questions listed for each area. How did the actions of the United States in the late 1880s define our reputation with our neighbors? How have past actions impacted current relations? A historical essay contains an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, body of paragraphs and a conclusion.

Your opinion will not be graded, however how you argue your point using historical facts will be. This essay is required to be typed, double spaced, 12 point font with a minimum of two pages and maximum of three complete pages.

Paper For Above instruction

American imperialism was a defining aspect of the United States' late 19th and early 20th-century foreign policy, reflecting a desire for economic expansion, military strength, and national prestige. Among the many actions undertaken during this period, the annexation of Hawaii and the intervention in the Philippines stand out as pivotal events that demonstrate the varied motivations and consequences of American imperialism. Comparing and contrasting these two actions reveals insights into the geographic considerations, public perception, indigenous responses, military involvement, and lasting impacts that shaped America's international relations.

Hawaii: Strategic Pearl of the Pacific

Hawaii, located in the central Pacific, was initially a sovereign kingdom known for its lush landscapes, sugar production, and strategic naval position. The islands' natural resources primarily included sugarcane and pineapples, which attracted American investors and businesses. The United States' interest in Hawaii intensified in the late 19th century due to its proximity to Asia and the Pacific, which was crucial for maritime trade and military defense.

The takeover of Hawaii was chiefly driven by American businessmen and sugar planters seeking economic leverage, supported by the U.S. government. The overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 involved a small force supported by American military personnel, underscoring the strategic motivation behind the action. The ensuing annexation in 1898 was portrayed in the media as a civilizing mission and a matter of national security, with political cartoons often depicting America as a benevolent protector or a heroic figure.

Public perception of the annexation was mixed; many Americans viewed Hawaii as a desirable addition to the U.S. empire, while native Hawaiians experienced displacement and cultural disruption. Native populations were largely opposed to American involvement, resisting the loss of sovereignty. Military involvement was minimal during the initial takeover but became significant during subsequent annexation and defense preparations. Today, Hawaii remains a state of the United States, symbolizing America's strategic and economic interests in the Pacific region.

The Philippines: From Colony to Commonwealth

The Philippines, an East Asian archipelago, was acquired by the United States after the Spanish-American War in 1898. Its strategic importance lay in its location along critical maritime routes, and its abundant natural resources, including rice, sugar, and tropical fruits, made it an attractive colonial possession. The U.S. justified the annexation of the Philippines through ideologies of racial superiority and a paternalistic duty to civilize the Filipino people, framing the expansion as a duty to bring democracy and modernity.

The Filipino insurgency against American rule, led by nationalists such as Emilio Aguinaldo, reflected local resistance to imperialist policies. The conflict was marked by brutal military campaigns, including reconcentration policies and guerrilla warfare, which garnered both domestic and international criticism. In media and political cartoons, American actions were often depicted as paternalistic but justified by terms like “civilizing mission,” though some images highlighted the violence and repression involved.

The perception of Americans by Filipinos was overwhelmingly negative, perceiving authority as oppressive and imperialist. Indigenous populations were largely resistant, with many fighting to regain independence. Militarily, the U.S. deployed substantial forces to suppress uprisings, establishing a colonial administration that lasted until 1946, when the Philippines gained independence. Today, the Philippines remains an independent republic, but the legacy of American imperialism continues to influence its political and cultural relations with the United States.

Comparison and Contrast

Both Hawaii and the Philippines exemplify different facets of American imperialism—Hawaii as a strategic insular territory and the Philippines as a colonial possession. The geographic location of Hawaii made it ideal for military and naval bases, emphasizing security and economic interests, whereas the Philippines' location facilitated control over Asian and Pacific maritime routes, boosting imperial ambitions. The natural resources of both regions played a role; Hawaii's sugar industry and the Philippines' agricultural products influenced economic motives.

The methods of takeover also differed: Hawaii's annexation was facilitated by economic elites and supported by the U.S. government, often with military backing, but it faced indigenous opposition that proved difficult to suppress fully. In contrast, the Philippines experienced active military conflict and widespread resistance, highlighting the violent nature of direct colonization and the Filipino desire for independence. Public perception of Hawaiian annexation was generally favorable, whereas the Philippine annexation faced criticism and resistance, both domestically and internationally.

In both cases, U.S. military involvement was crucial, but the scope and intensity varied. Hawaii's annexation involved limited military force, mostly political maneuvering, while the Philippine conflict was a full-scale military campaign involving significant troop deployment. Today, Hawaii is a peaceful U.S. state, whereas the Philippines is an independent nation with ongoing cultural and political ties to the U.S., reflecting differing long-term impacts of imperialist policies.

These actions in Hawaii and the Philippines demonstrate the multifaceted nature of American imperialism: economic aspirations, military strategy, cultural perceptions, and indigenous resistance all played roles. The image of America as a benevolent modernizer often masked aggressive military actions and political interference, shaping perceptions both domestically and internationally. These historical episodes continue to influence current U.S. foreign relations, emphasizing the importance of understanding imperialist policies' enduring legacies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparison of Hawaii and the Philippines reveals the complexity of American imperialism at the turn of the century. While both regions were strategically valuable and shaped by economic interests, their different receptions, indigenous responses, and the nature of military involvement highlight contrasting aspects of U.S. expansionism. The long-lasting impacts still resonate today, affecting diplomatic relations and perceptions of America worldwide. Understanding these historical actions is essential in evaluating America's role as an imperial power and its influence on global geopolitics.

References

• Baker, C. (2014). The United States and the Pacific Islands: The History of American Imperialism in the Pacific. Routledge.
• Carter, T. (2011). The Philippines and the American Empire. University of Hawaii Press.
• Gavan, T. (1999). American Imperialism and the Filipino Revolution. University of Michigan Press.
• Hays, J. (2015). The American Imperialism: Policies and Consequences. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, J. (2020). Hawaii's Path to Statehood and Its Colonial Past. Harvard University Press.
• Scott, D. (2005). The U.S. and Southeast Asia: A Historical Overview. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Sharon, P. (2018). The Impact of American Military Interventions in the Pacific. Cambridge University Press.
• Vizzacaro, J. (2012). Colonialism and Resistance in the Philippines. Stanford University Press.
• Weber, D. (2009). American Foreign Policy in the Age of Imperialism. Routledge.
• Young, R. (2013). The Long Shadow: U.S. Imperialism and Its Consequences. Yale University Press.