Essay about American Imperialism - 1217 Words

The years after the Civil War were the years of great economic expansion in the history of United States. With the increase in production by industries, the demand for resources increased rapidly and because the land under the control of the United States could not fulfill this demand, the only option was to expand the territorial area. In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia and in the same year, it annexed Midway Islands. Until 1890s, the expansion was restricted to west and did not go further the nation’s boundaries. But the decade of 1890s, the period between 1893 and1903 was a turning point in the history of United States, marked with the expansion of America for the first time outside its main land. Even though policy†¦show more content†¦In a treaty with the Spain, the US acquired the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and the pacific island of Guam. Overproduction and under-consumption during the Panic of 1893 demonstrated the need for foreign markets i f the economy were to recover again, which heightened the belief that more assertive foreign policy was indispensible to encourage American exports. â€Å"To meet the challenge the country had no apparent choice but to reconstruct its economy or compete for foreign markets and points of strategic significance, especially in the Pacific.† Another problem that emerged during this depression and could be solved by expanding the markets was the discontent caused by unemployment after the Panic of 1893. The new markets would work as a ‘safety valve,’ which by improving the economy of America would reduce the domestic problems. Proponents of imperialism believed that the colonial holdings, as strategic assets, were of high value in the on-going quest for maritime supremacy. One of the supporters of imperialism was Alfred Thayer Mahan, who argued that a large fleet of ships, protected by a powerful navy, is required for successful international trade. He believed that colonies â€Å"facilitate and enlarge the operations of shipping and tend to protect it by multiplying points of safety.† Influenced by theses ideas, James G. Blaine urged president to try to acquireShow MoreRelatedAmerican Imperialism797 Words   |  4 PagesMaterial Appendix A American Imperialism Part 1 Complete the chart by identifying the following: Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914. Discuss why each area was important to American empire building—political, economic, and social. Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some factors that justified American imperialist actions? Read MoreAppendix a American Imperialism1314 Words   |  6 PagesAssociate Program Material Appendix A American Imperialism Part 1 Complete the chart by identifying the following: Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914. Discuss why each area was important to American empire building—political, economic, and social. Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some factors that justified American imperialist actions? Identify the currentRead MoreThe American Imperialism Essay558 Words   |  3 Pagesabout American imperialism and its behavior. Historians such as William A. Williams, Arthur Schlesinger, and Stephen Kinzer provides their own vision and how America ought to be through ideas centered around economics, power, and racial superiority. Economics becomes a large factor in the American imperialism; but more specifically that expansion in foreign markets is a vital part in the growth of America. As historian Charles Beard puts it, â€Å"[it] is indispensable to the prosperity of American businessRead MoreA Brief History of American Imperialism1391 Words   |  6 Pageseventual spread of the American nation beyond the Mississippi into Native and French land, referred to as â€Å"Manifest Destiny† by John O’Sullivan, was rationalized as a realization of their God given duty. The Louisiana Purchase set the precedent for unrestricted westward expansion in America, and allowed for others to follow in his footsteps. Characterized by racist overtones, a lack of the â€Å"consent of the governed, and ethnic cleansing, there is no valid distinction between this American continental expansionRead MoreEssay On American Imperialism1265 Words   |  6 Pagesbook, Our Country, about why the United States should su pport imperialism. He himself is American, but where exactly in America is unknown. It is important that this established, as it makes it easier to understand his motivations for promoting what he thinks are best interests for America. The exact date of this publication is not given, but further research states it is from 1885. At around 1885 was a period of time where imperialism was a concept which was spreading quickly to many large countriesRead MoreAmerican Imperialism Research Study Essay1423 Words   |  6 PagesAssociate Program Material Appendix A American Imperialism Part 1 Complete the chart by identifying the following: †¢ Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914. †¢ Discuss why each area was important to American empire building—political, economic, and social. †¢ Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some factors that justified American imperialist actions? †¢ Identify the current politicalRead MoreAn Exercise Of American Imperialism1381 Words   |  6 Pages1846-1848: Southward Aggression II,† argues that the Mexican War was indeed an exercise of American imperialism. Throughout his presidency, James K. Polk made a promise to the American people to honor Manifest Destiny, expanding the territory of the United States to the Pacific Ocean. Polk was blinded by his tunnel vision, and was more than willing to pay the cost of thousands of Mexican lives (over twice as many as Americans) in pursuit of his goal. The Mexican government was weak, so, Polk took advantageRead MoreAmerican Imperialism - Essay997 Words   |  4 PagesAmerican Imperialism has been a part of United States history ever since the American Revolution. Imperialism is the practice by which large, powerful nations seek to expand and maintain control or influence on a weaker nation. Throughout the years, America has had a tendency to take over other peoples land . America had its first taste of Imperialistic nature back when Columbus came to America almost five hundred years ago. He fought the inhabitants with no respect for their former way of life,Read MoreThe Rise of American Imperialism Essay927 Words   |  4 PagesThe Rise of American Imperialism The idea of American Imperialism had both its advocates and its critics. One only needs to look at a map to see which side won. America has greatly expanded since its own phase as a colony of the greatest European Empire of the time. America became her own Empire through the accusation of vast territories through many different mean. Sometimes she purchases the mighty morsel, sometimes she forms it #8230; by the natural increase of her own people, sometimesRead MoreAmerican Imperialism: Characteristics903 Words   |  4 PagesAmerican Imperialism in the Nineteenth Century extended from several characteristics of America and American society, including but not limited to exceptionalism and manifest destiny. While these beliefs not only supported and manifested the perpetual effort to exploit and later completely oppress and subjugate the Native American populations within its borders, they also supported the later establishment of reservations and the practice of Native American boarding school education. But, American