Assignment Question
As you have seen from the readings, sources, and media this week, the U.S. became an industrial society. This meant businesses needed not only workers to support their industrial might, but also overseas markets to increase profits. Using all of this week’s resources, discuss American imperialism in the broader sense of a global perspective. What were the reasons for the Spanish-American and Philippine-American wars? What goals were American imperialists discussed in this week’s readings trying to achieve? Remember to bring in material from this week’s readings and media to support your argument. Must Be 200 words
Assignment Answer
American imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a significant shift in the nation’s global perspective. The industrialization of the United States led to a need for overseas markets and resources to fuel its economic growth (LaFeber, 1993). This essay will explore the reasons behind two critical events in American imperialism – the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War – and the goals pursued by American imperialists during this era.
The Spanish-American War of 1898 was a turning point in American imperialism. The immediate cause was the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which prompted the United States to intervene in the Cuban War of Independence against Spanish colonial rule. However, beneath the surface, economic interests played a significant role. American businesses saw Cuba as a potential market for their products, and the prospect of acquiring Puerto Rico and the Philippines further fueled the desire for overseas territories.
In the case of the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), the United States found itself engaged in a conflict with Filipino insurgents after the acquisition of the Philippines from Spain as a result of the Treaty of Paris. American imperialists aimed to establish a foothold in Asia, gain access to Asian markets, and tap into the Philippines’ rich resources (Beede, 2016). The conflict, which was characterized by brutal military tactics, reflects the lengths to which the U.S. was willing to go to secure its imperial ambitions.
American imperialists during this era aimed to achieve several goals. First and foremost was economic expansion. The U.S. sought to open new markets for its industrial products and secure access to valuable resources in its overseas territories. This economic motive was clearly evident in the desire to control Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. These territories were seen as potential sources of wealth and markets for American goods.
Furthermore, American imperialists believed in the notion of spreading American values and civilization. They saw their mission as a form of benevolent assimilation, with the intent to uplift and modernize the nations they colonized. However, this often led to cultural clashes, resistance, and exploitation in the pursuit of these goals (Miller, 2019).
In conclusion, American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was driven by economic interests, the desire for overseas markets, and access to resources (LaFeber, 1993). The Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War were pivotal events in this imperialist era, with the U.S. aiming to assert its global influence. The goals of American imperialists included expanding economic opportunities and promoting American values, but the consequences of these actions had long-lasting effects on the nations involved.
References
Beede, B. R. (2016). The War of 1898 and US Interventions, 1898-1934: An Encyclopedia. Taylor & Francis.
LaFeber, W. (1993). The New Empire: An Interpretation of American Expansion, 1860-1898. Cornell University Press.
Miller, S. (2019). Benevolent Assimilation: The American Conquest of the Philippines, 1899-1903. Yale University Press.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is American imperialism, and how did it manifest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
American imperialism refers to the expansion of American political, economic, and cultural influence beyond its borders. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it manifested through the acquisition of overseas territories and the pursuit of economic interests and global dominance.
What were the primary motivations behind the Spanish-American War, and how did economic interests play a role in it?
The Spanish-American War was primarily motivated by the desire to support Cuban rebels in their fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Economic interests played a crucial role as American businesses saw Cuba as a potential market for their products, and the loss of this market was detrimental to their economic interests.
Why did the United States acquire the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, and what strategic significance did the Philippines hold for American imperialists?
The United States acquired the Philippines to establish a strategic foothold in Asia, gain access to Asian markets, and secure valuable resources. The Philippines were strategically important due to their location in the Pacific, offering a naval base and access to Asian markets.
What were the key goals of American imperialists during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the context of the Philippine-American War?
American imperialists aimed to achieve several goals, including expanding economic opportunities by opening new markets and accessing resources. They also believed in spreading American values and civilization. In the case of the Philippines, they sought to establish stability and governance that would benefit American economic interests.
What were the long-term consequences of American imperialism on the United States and the nations it colonized?
American imperialism contributed to shaping the United States into a global superpower, solidifying its presence on the world stage. It had significant economic benefits for the U.S. but also raised moral and ethical questions. The consequences of American imperialism had a lasting impact on the course of the 20th century and shaped the nation’s global perspective.
