Creativity

Chapter 12 Summary

In chapter twelve of Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States, he talks about the history of expansion in the United States, which helped shape America. People, such as Theodore Roosevelt and Captain A.T. Mahan of the U.S. navy, wanted expansion brought upon America. Mahan used propaganda to influence other powerful leaders within the United States. Commercial farmers began to demand expansion in the United States. Manufactured goods were becoming overproduced in America, so the need for foreign markets and trade became prominent. By 1893, America was the second largest trading country. America became greatly interested in helping Cuba as an appeal of expansion during the reign of Cleveland and McKinley as presidents.   Cuba was at a revolt against the Spaniards for independence during the time. Americans gave Cuba popular support because they were fighting for liberation. There was fear that Cuba might turn into a black republic similar to Haiti. The U.S. battleship Maine, a representation of the interest in Cuba, was destroyed by an unknown explosion. President McKinley did not want war, but was moving towards that direction, Zinn exclaimed. After a long battle, Cuba became a part of America.

My Review

In the 1890’s, imperialism became a universally known word. Business understood imperialism as a chance to expand their commerce and extend free trade, however, laborers understood imperialism as a distraction from the true issues of their needs, and the government saw imperialism as a chance to expand on America’s interest. Imperialism meant taking Cuba for the millions of dollars that its trade and land offered. Cuba still lies under the Americans imperialistic rule. While there are effects of greater economy and a land of free trade, the methods by which this expanse was gained were in my opinion, reckless. The foreign trade accounted for billions of dollars in the American economy. Theodore Roosevelt was obsessed with...