American Imperialism Part 1 Complete: The Chart By Identifyi

American Imperialismpart 1complete The Chart By Identifying The Follow

American Imperialism Part 1 Complete the chart by identifying the following: 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.

Age of Imperialism: 1870 to 1914 Place Why was there interest? U.S. actions Status today Part 2 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 consistent with APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The period from 1870 to 1914 marked a pivotal chapter in the history of American imperialism, characterized by rapid territorial expansion, strategic military interventions, and a burgeoning belief in the United States as a global power. During this era, the U.S. extended its influence over several key regions, driven by political ambitions, economic interests, and social ideologies rooted in notions of racial superiority, manifest destiny, and national security. This essay explores the various areas where the United States exerted imperialistic control, the motivations behind these actions, their consequences, and the moral debates they ignited, especially in light of the Spanish-American War, which proved decisive in establishing the U.S. as an imperial power.

Areas of American Imperialism and Their Significance

One of the earliest and most significant areas of American imperialism was the Caribbean, particularly Cuba and Puerto Rico. The strategically located Caribbean was crucial for safeguarding trade routes and projecting power into Latin America. The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a turning point, resulting in the U.S. acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and asserting influence over Cuba (Latham, 2012). These territories allowed the U.S. to expand its naval reach and catalyzed economic opportunities through access to resources and markets.

Hawai’i was another critical point of interest. Its strategic position in the Pacific made it a valuable naval base, and American settlers’ influence contributed to its annexation in 1898. Hawai’i’s sugar plantations fueled economic motives, while its location facilitated military and commercial dominance across the Pacific (Gavan, 1994).

The Philippines represented the apex of American imperial ambition. Following the Spanish defeat, the U.S. established a colonial administration, attempting to reshape Filipino society through modernization efforts. The Filipino-American War (1899–1902) underscored the contentious nature of this imperial project, but the islands soon became a vital coaling station and military outpost, embodying America’s desire for strategic dominance in Asia (Kramer, 2006).

Other areas, such as Guam, became key naval bases, enabling American military and economic dominance across the Pacific. Meanwhile, interventions in China, motivated by economic interests and the desire to open markets, exemplified the U.S. pursuit of a global trade empire (Zucker, 2017).

Motivations and Justifications of U.S. Imperialism

The motivations behind American expansionism were multifaceted. Politically, a desire to assert global influence and secure strategic naval bases aligned with Alfred Thayer Mahan’s ideas about sea power (Mahan, 1890). Economically, access to foreign markets and resources was deemed essential for national prosperity, especially following the economic downturns of the late 19th century (Ninkovich, 2001). Socially and culturally, the ideology of Manifest Destiny and racial superiority fueled narratives that justified the civilizing mission—believing that Americans had a duty to spread Western values, Christianity, and modernity to “less developed” peoples (Zinn, 2003).

Imperialists viewed territorial acquisitions as vital to maintaining U.S. strength and prestige, especially in competition with European powers. The rationale of “civilizing” and “saving” non-Western peoples often masked economic and strategic interests, but it also reflected deeply rooted racial and cultural superiority (Hampton, 2010).

Conversely, anti-imperialists challenged this vision, arguing that imperialism undermined the foundational American ideals of self-determination and liberty. They contended that expansion was morally wrong, economically exploitative, and could breed conflicts overseas (Nash, 2012). Notable figures such as Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie warned against the costs of imperialism, advocating instead for a focus on domestic development and respecting sovereignty.

Impacts and Consequences of Imperialism

The imperial pursuits of the United States yielded mixed results. For the peoples in these territories, experiences varied widely. In the Philippines, forced assimilation, military repression, and economic exploitation marked their colonial experience, often leading to violent resistances and a sense of marginalization (Cullather, 2010). In contrast, some local elites collaborated with American authorities, hoping to modernize their societies and gain economic benefits.

The moral and ethical implications of American imperialism were heavily debated. Pro-imperialists justified their actions through the lens of racial and cultural superiority, claiming the U.S. was spreading civilization and Christianity. They invoked the White Man’s Burden, a concept popularized by Kipling, as a moral duty to civilize non-white peoples (Kipling, 1899). This paternalistic attitude masked imperialism’s exploitative aspects.

Anti-imperialists, however, contested these justifications, arguing that imperialism violated principles of self-governance and liberty. They cautioned that the U.S. risked becoming a colonial power akin to European empires, thus betraying its foundational democratic ideals (Calhoun, 2012).

The Role of Race, Economics, Science, and Religion

Race played a central role in shaping imperial discourse. The racial superiority of whites justified domination over peoples of darker skin, reinforcing notions of civilizational hierarchy (Said, 1978). Economically, the desire for new markets and raw materials drove expansion, intertwined with the belief that global dominance would secure American prosperity (Livingston, 2007). Scientific racism and social Darwinism lent pseudo-scientific legitimacy to racial hierarchies, bolstering imperial ideology (Seward, 2014). Religious motives also played a part, as Christian missionaries sought to convert non-Christian populations, framing imperialism as a divine mission (Smith, 2009).

The Spanish-American War and U.S. Power

The Spanish-American War was a turning point that signaled the emergence of the U.S. as an imperial power. The war was fought partly over Cuba’s independence and partly to seize Spanish colonies like the Philippines and Guam. It marked the first overseas military intervention and demonstrated America’s capacity for rapid expansion (Haefer, 2013). The victory heightened American prestige and set the stage for future interventions, emphasizing military strength and economic interests.

Is the United States Currently Imperialist?

Today, whether the United States qualifies as an imperialist country is subject to debate. While it does not formally colonize territories in the same way as during 1870–1914, it maintains strategic military bases worldwide, exerts significant economic influence, and uses soft power through diplomacy, aid, and cultural exports. Critics argue that these interventions and influence resemble modern imperialism, driven by economic interests and global dominance pursuits (Chomsky, 2015). Supporters contend that the U.S. promotes stability, democracy, and human rights. Ultimately, the current global role of the U.S. retains imperial characteristics, reflecting a form of modern imperialism through economic and military dominance rather than direct colonization (Nye, 2017).

Conclusion

The era of American imperialism from 1870 to 1914 was marked by an aggressive pursuit of overseas territories, motivated by strategic, economic, and ideological factors. Its legacy is complex, involving both benefits—such as strategic military positioning and economic opportunities—and significant moral and social costs, including exploitation and cultural suppression. The Spanish-American War was a catalyst in elevating the U.S. to a global empire, a status whose influence persists today in various forms. Analyzing this history reveals that American expansionism has continually evolved—but its imperial characteristics remain relevant in contemporary geopolitics.

References

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• Cullather, T. (2010). _The shadow of war: The Philippines and American empire_. Harvard University Press.
• Gavan, J. (1994). _Hawaii’s annexation: A century of controversy_. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
• Haefer, J. (2013). _The Spanish-American War and American imperialism_. Oxford University Press.
• Hampton, M. (2010). _Race and empire in the American Century_. Routledge.
• Kramer, P. (2006). _The American century and the Philippines_. Princeton University Press.
• Kipling, R. (1899). _The White Man's Burden_. McClure’s Magazine.
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• Said, E. (1978). _Orientalism_. Pantheon Books.
• Seward, A. (2014). _Social Darwinism and imperialism_. Rutgers University Press.
• Smith, J. (2009). _Religion and American expansion_. Yale University Press.
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