American Imperialism

American Imperialism in the Nineteenth Century

American Imperialism refers to the political, economic, military and cultural influence of the United States. With the explosion of technology and industry imperialism was birthed. Some saw it as a knee-jerk reaction to what other nations were doing. Some believe it shaped American history and paved the way for the United States to become one of the most important industrial countries in the world. Others like the American Anti-Imperialist League found it to be hostile and evil. So how was it rationalized and what happened during this time that provided so many opposing views going into the Twentieth Century? No matter what, American Imperialism is a very important part of our countries history.

Americans since the 1700’s have practiced the controlling of weaker nations and their people. With the United States interests in the Western Hemisphere and other countries broadening their horizons the United States needed to get involved. Also the onset of technology and other means of communication added to the importance of finding other markets to expand upon to obtain materials. The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 took the idea of imperialism and increased to the power of the United States to move forward since it prevented Europe from becoming involved in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere. So the United States stepped up and focused their efforts on Europe, Latin America, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Africa and China.

The policy was rationalized frankly because everyone else was doing it. If the United States did not step up their effort to grow and expand its territories and markets than they would be viewed as weak. Other countries would have gained the control. The United States had to prove that they were a force to be reckoned with. Many Americans believed in Imperialism because it spread Americanized influence on ideas, values, religion and products (Davidson, Delay, Heyrman, Lytle & Stoff,...