American Imperialism - arguments for and against
- Created by: mel.maharjan
- Created on: 15-10-14 21:03
View mindmap
- American Imperialism
- Arguments FOR American imperialism
- During 19th century, US grew from group of 13 colonies on eastern coast
- By 1890s, America consisted of 44 states and 4 territories
- US had a 'Manifest Destiny'
- Duty to expand and control entire continent because they are an enlightened, democratic nation
- By the end of century there was nowhere else to expand except abroad
- Frontier was over
- Duty of US to civilise and Christianise the world and spread democracy
- Missionaries went out to China
- Spread the word of God and brought health care, and education to poor areas
- Missionaries went out to China
- Social Darwinism
- As a 'superior' nation, the US had a duty and a right to influence other nations
- Higher demand for more access to both raw materials and to markets in areas such as Asia
- McKinley put great emphasis on the link between foreign policy and trade
- Enhanced in 1893 by the Depression
- European empires grew drastically in last quarter of 19th century (especially in Africa and South East Asia)
- 1/4 of the world colonised between 1875 and 1914
- America felt threatened that their position in the world was weak
- Desire for expansion was about the 'balance of power'
- Naval officer Alfred Thayer Mahan wrote 'The Influence of Sea Power on History' (1890)
- Argued that to be a great power, a country had to be a strong naval power
- US needed to dramatically expand its navy
- Needed to possess colonies in order to build bases and fuelling spots
- Mahan became very influential on government policy - influenced T. Roosevelt
- During 19th century, US grew from group of 13 colonies on eastern coast
- Arguments AGAINST American imperialism
- Anti-Imperialist League was formed (1898)
- Included Mark Twain, Andrew Carnegie, William Jennings-Bryan
- Argued that more active America was abroad, more likely it was they would be dragged into war
- US didn't have large enough army to take over/run an empire
- Many felt the US shouldn't be acting like the European nations
- US may have duty to spread democracy and freedom but should be done by example, not force
- Taking colonies went against all principles of the Deceleration of Independence and the Constitution - what America fought for
- America couldn't even look after their own minorities
- Strong moral objections to imperialism
- Anti-imperialists argued that raw materials and markets that would be gained was exaggerated
- Would be a drain on American economy
- Trade unions feared influx of cheap labour
- Anti-Imperialist League was formed (1898)
- Arguments FOR American imperialism
- By the end of century there was nowhere else to expand except abroad
- Frontier was over
Similar History resources:
Teacher recommended
Comments
No comments have yet been made