Imperialism

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  • Created by: Lily
  • Created on: 08-05-13 14:03

Imperialism

Advantages

  • "Manifest Destiny" - destiny of America to dominate the northern half of America.
  • Duty of the Americans to spread their civillisation - education, public health, democracy and Christianity
  • Americans were morally superior so needed to extend their power
  • New terrority abroad meant a new market - cheap raw materials, relieve labour tensions and unrest from the Depression.
  • Without imperialism the balance of power could shift away from them and into the hands of Europe
  • The powerfull nations in history were all naval powers so America needed to achieve this instead of getting left behind.

Disadvantages

  • It's hypocritical! War of Independence - historically wrong to become a country which colonises other countries
  • USA did not have record of treating "alien races" well.
  • No new markets in Asia so expansion would lead to further entanglements, possibly war
  • The USA did not have the manpower/expertise to run an empire
  • Lose an unique role as a powerful, democratic nation that respects the freedom of others

Evaluation

Although America had the ambition and desire to maintain their Empire and it was becoming increasingly possible to do so, politically it was unwise in their current situation. The duties of building an Empire held the risk of war and conflict which the USA were not ready to deal with. The disastorous state of their army as a result of the Spanish War meant it would be hard for them to accomplish victory.

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