American Imperialism in the Broader Sense of a Global Perspective

The United States became an industrial society in the late 19th century. This meant that businesses needed not only workers to support their industrial might, but also overseas markets to increase profits. As a result, the United States began to expand its influence around the world. This expansion, known as American imperialism, took many forms, including economic, military, and cultural.

The Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars

The Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War were two of the most significant events in the history of American imperialism. The Spanish-American War broke out in 1898 over the issue of Cuban independence. The United States supported Cuban rebels who were fighting against Spanish rule. The war was short and decisive, and the United States emerged victorious. As a result of the war, the United States gained control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

The Philippine-American War began in 1899, after the United States acquired the Philippines from Spain. Filipino nationalists, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, declared independence from the United States. However, the United States refused to recognize Filipino independence and waged a brutal war against the insurgents. The war ended in 1902 with the defeat of the Filipino nationalists.

Goals of American Imperialists

American imperialists had a number of goals, including:

• Economic expansion: American businesses wanted to expand their markets and access new sources of raw materials.
• Military expansion: American imperialists believed that the United States needed a strong military to protect its interests around the world.
• Cultural expansion: American imperialists believed that the United States had a moral obligation to spread democracy and Christian values to other parts of the world.

American Imperialism from a Global Perspective

American imperialism was not unique. Other European powers, such as Great Britain, France, and Germany, were also engaged in imperialist expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the United States was different in a number of ways. First, the United States was a relatively young country with a strong sense of idealism. This idealism led many Americans to believe that the United States had a special mission to spread democracy and freedom around the world. Second, the United States was geographically isolated from the other European powers. This isolation gave the United States a sense of security and allowed it to pursue its imperialist ambitions without fear of retaliation.

Impact of American Imperialism

American imperialism had a significant impact on the world. The United States emerged from the Spanish-American War as a major global power. The United States also gained control of a number of important overseas territories, such as the Philippines and Guam. The United States also began to play a more active role in global diplomacy and security.

Criticism of American Imperialism

American imperialism has also been criticized. Critics argue that the United States has often used its power to exploit and oppress other countries. Critics also argue that the United States has often been hypocritical in its promotion of democracy and freedom, while supporting authoritarian regimes around the world.

Conclusion

American imperialism is a complex and controversial topic. It is important to understand the reasons for American imperialism, the goals of American imperialists, and the impact of American imperialism on the world.