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Evaluate the imperialistic ambitions of the United States, focusing on the Spanish-American War. Your task involves creating a document such as an article or cartoon that assesses this historical event, including a clear position and role, and expressing an evaluative opinion. You may choose different roles, audiences, formats, and topics if desired, for example, adopting the perspectives of figures like Mark Twain, Alfred T. Mahan, or Emilio Aguinaldo, for audiences such as the American public or President McKinley, and using formats such as short stories, poems, or formal letters. The goal is to analyze and evaluate the motives, actions, and consequences of U.S. imperialism during this period.

Paper For Above instruction

The expansion of American influence at the turn of the 20th century marked a significant period in U.S. history characterized by aggressive imperialistic ambitions. Central to this era was the Spanish-American War of 1898, an event that exemplified America's shift from continental expansion to overseas imperialism, driven by economic, political, and strategic motives. Analyzing the various perspectives and motives during this time reveals the complex nature of American imperialism and its profound impact on both the nation and the territories involved.

One of the primary motivations for U.S. imperialism during the Spanish-American War was economic interest. Rapid industrialization in the United States created a need for new markets and resources, compelling Americans to seek access to foreign markets and raw materials. The annexation of colonies like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines provided strategic ports and access to Asian markets (Langer & Daque, 2011). Additionally, economic motives were closely tied to the desire to establish a competitive presence globally, securing economic benefits that could sustain and expand the U.S. economy.

Strategic and military considerations also played a significant role. Alfred Thayer Mahan's advocacy for a powerful navy emphasized the importance of naval strength in establishing global dominance (Mahan, 1890). The Spanish-American War underscored the importance of having a modern navy capable of projecting power across oceans. The capture of Manila Bay and the Caribbean ports demonstrated American military prowess and strategic reach, bolstering national security and international influence (Gould, 2003).

political factors, including the influence of jingoism and nationalistic enthusiasm, also fueled imperialistic ambitions. The desire to 'claim' new territories was often justified on ideological grounds, including the idea of bringing 'civilization' and 'progress' to purportedly less developed peoples (Hofstadter, 1963). The publication of sensationalist journalism, known as yellow journalism, stoked public support for war, portraying Spain as barbaric and emphasizing the moral imperative for intervention (Langer, 1989). These narratives helped shape a political climate conducive to imperial expansion.

From the perspective of Filipino leader Emilio Aguinaldo and Cuban patriot Jose Marti, American imperialism was viewed critically. Aguinaldo, who fought for independence from Spain, saw the U.S. actions as hypocritical, aspiring to imperial dominance while claiming to champion liberty. Marti warned that U.S. intervention was motivated by greed and expansionist desires rather than genuine concern for Cuban independence (Foner, 2012). These voices highlight the tension between American imperialist ambitions and the aspirations of colonized peoples.

Symbolically, the Spanish-American War marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, transitioning from continental expansion to overseas empire-building. The Treaty of Paris (1898) formalized this new phase, with the U.S. acquiring overseas territories and asserting global influence (Clymer, 2009). The war thus demonstrated the pragmatic and ideological drivers behind American imperialism, including economic interests, military strategy, nationalistic fervor, and the pursuit of global prestige.

In conclusion, the imperialistic ambitions of the United States during the Spanish-American War were multifaceted, involving economic motives, strategic considerations, ideological justifications, and political pressures. This period marked the emergence of the U.S. as a colonial power with far-reaching influence, shaping its foreign policy and international standing for decades to come. The complex interplay of motives and consequences reflected broader trends of American expansionism and the desire to compete with European colonial powers.

References

• Clymer, K. (2009). The United States and the Spanish-American War. Oxford University Press.
• Foner, P. (2012). The meaning of Cuba: Specter of a revolution. Monthly Review Press.
• Gould, L. L. (2003). The Spanish-American War. In The Penguin history of the United States (pp. 319-342). Penguin Books.
• Hofstadter, R. (1963). American politics and society. Vintage Books.
• Langer, M. (1989). The origins of the Spanish-American War. Harvard University Press.
• Langer, M., & Daque, J. (2011). The Spanish-American War: A comprehensive overview. Routledge.
• Mahan, A. T. (1890). The influence of sea power upon history, 1660–1783. Little, Brown.