Imperialism

Imperialism is a policy, which allows a nation to extend its authority over another country or region. During the Nineteenth century, The United States had people who put forth this policy. They wanted to expand the US and create commonwealths and such. This was a suitable and justifiable policy for the beginning of the eighteen hundreds. The US needed land, resources, and people to market their products to. What better way than to conquer and control other lands?

In the turn of the nineteenth century, the US was a nation all by itself. It had no extra land and had much business growth. The big businesses were expanding, and running out of markets. The time period, the early 1800’s, was followed by the Cuban Revolution, The Spanish-American War, and The Philippine Rebellion. These Incidents can also be incorporated into the era. This was a time for expansion and more business based ideals.

“America must begin to look outward” (Document 2). The United States was at a time where the people needed land, business owners, and entrepreneurs needed places to advertise and sell products. “The growing production of the country demands it” (Doc 2). Corporations needed new investors. This was the time to expand horizons and spread the country’s reaches.

In 1900 Albert Beveridge, a senator from Indiana, gave a speech. In that speech there was a component where he addressed imperialism. This shows that there was a start to something that led to the extension of the US. Especially when he says: “The Power that rules the pacific… is the power that rules the world” (Doc 5). This demonstrates the want and need to go out into the Philippines, trade with china, and do other things that involve the Pacific Ocean.

The Philippines were a great addition to the US. They provided people, opened trade routes, and had excellent resources. Being in the Philippines helps us as much as it helps the Filipino citizens and residents. We get business while they are educated and get care under the US (Doc 6). If they had not rebelled, they would have become accustomed to having the US in their country and preferred the safety and supplies we had to offer. This adds to the debated topic of whether Imperialism was legitimate. It is clearly stated in Document 6 that the US is in the “Philippines… rightly and legally” and that “…taking… the Philippines does not violate the principles of the Declaration of Independence…” It is also stated that they will become comparable to other commonwealths of the US and not want to lose our powers and support (Doc 6).

It can be argued that Imperialism was not the right policy to use at the turn of the 19th century. As Document 7 states, it can lead to militarism. This is a theory and cannot be proven without evidence. Abraham Lincoln said, “No man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent” (Doc 7). This may be true, but, if the other man is benefitting from the government, how can there be a problem? The statement that Imperialism is not legitimate or proper is not correct and should not be assumed.

The guiding principle of Imperialism is a matter subject to the People and their views. In the 19th century, there was a split between the people in this matter. This became less of a problem and more of a political debate topic. Afterwards, it was put into effect and we acquired Cuba and, for a short time, The Philippines. The policy was completely valid and not unreasonable whatsoever. It helped the US and gained the country more land. Overall, imperialism helped the US in the turn of the 19th century.

Works Cited

Mahan, Alfred T. The interest of America in Sea Power, 1897