Imperialism
is the act of a country using its power to rule over lands and even peoples. Historically
imperialism was very common throughout Europe with Empires such as Rome
conquering and ruling lands. However common Imperialism throughout the world
The United States has abstained from any intentional global conquering. In the
late nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century, after winning the
Spanish-Cuban-American War The United States found itself with a critical decision.
The decision was to either hold control or leave the Philippines. The opinions
of Charles Conant, Albert J. Beveridge, and Emilio Aguinaldo stand out more
than others in this discussion. Their discussion poses an important question,
should the United States use the power to enforce imperialism?
Conant,
Beveridge, and Aguinaldo all differ on the topic of American imperialism in the
Philippines. Imperialism, as Conant believes, is important to the United States
as it greatly supports the country’s economic health (Charles Conant, “The
Economic Basis of Imperialism”).
Beveridge
on the other hand although supporting American imperialism chooses to point out
that imperialism is necessary for the survival of the United States. He points
to owning the Philippines as crucial global strength for the United States against
other progressive nations that stand “ready to relieve” the United States of
its powerful position (Albert J. Beveridge Calls for an American Empire).
Imperialism
is a point of agreement for Conant and Beveridge but on the opposing side of
the spectrum stands Aguinaldo. Being a leader of rebel Filipino forces, Aguinaldo
attempts to reason against Imperialism. He believes every nation deserves the same
chance to obtain liberty (Aguinaldo’s Case Against the United States).
Imperialism
is not the foundation of the United States’ morals. The United States stands on
a point of strength on a fortified continent. The United States chooses the
principles of discipline over global power. A beacon of hope peace and harmony is
what the United States offers to the world. If the United States were to revert
to imperialistic standards, its beacon would surely die out under the shadow of
hypocrisy.
The question, "should the United States use [their] power to enforce imperialism?" can be answered based on the historical views during this time period. To start, imperialism was not heavily insisted. The U.S. mostly used the conquered lands as a trade route to harder to reach countries. It heavily influenced the economy and causes a rise in mass production in the market. However, using conquered areas was not the only trade route or method available. They could also make some sort of agreement with places such as the Philippines to allow access to trade routes in exchange for acknowledging their independence. Ultimately, there is no extreme reason for the U.S. to insist on imperialism, let alone enforcing it.
ReplyDeleteThe question can be answered by the surrounding events happening around the world. As mentioned above, during this time period, imperialism was spreading throughout Europe. There was success due to this however the U.S. had accomplished many of the same things by using their land for easier trade access. Because of this, it was shown that Albert Beveridge was wrong when he claimed imperialism was necessary for the survival of the U.S. As far as the economy went, the U.S had other future plans for trade routes to expand. Due to this, it wouldn't make sense for the United States to use their power to enforce imperialism nor was necessary.
ReplyDeleteThe question "should the United States use the power to enforce imperialism?" can be answered if you look at what this country has been built upon. After generations the United States has been able to learn from its mistakes time and time again. These mistakes have taught that we are able to be more civilized when it comes to negotiations. Saying the United States needs to be built on imperialism has been proven wrong multiple times throughout history. Therefore the United States would not need to enforce imperialism.
ReplyDeleteThe question can be answered in many ways from many different viewpoints. Imperialism was a very common occurrence during this time with many global superpowers like England, France, and Spain all racing to expand their empire. Their plans worked to a significant degree. This is the biggest contributing pro of imperialism. Many of these already powerful nations get even more powerful, and many Americans wanted to see the same spoils out of their beloved country. However, one of the biggest conflicts with Imperialism is the point that imperialism is very unethical. As seen in Cuba, imperialism is not a great thing. The relationship between Cuba and Spain was hostile to say the least, and much blood was shed before the conflict between the two countries was resolved. A much better and more profitable idea would be to create good relationships with other countries around the world. Better relationships equal better and easier trades, and it is always good to be seen with good favor when it comes to making friends with other countries. So, should the United States enforce imperialism? No, it would be much better to strengthen relations with other countries across the globe.
ReplyDeleteThe question "should the United States use the power to enforce imperialism?" can be answered by how the period time was back then. As you read above, you can know that imperialism was very common. Knowing that it was common, people would think that having imperialism in the U.S would be the best option. This is not true. If we were to have kept being an imperialism country, people would result to conflict, and we would need maybe permission from the governor or ruler, and our trades wouldn't be as good. As what he wrote above, the US would be better off having good trade and relationships with the other countries. Because of this, the United States should not enforce imperialism.
ReplyDeleteThe question "should the United States use the power to enforce imperialism" can be answered in a variety of ways because everyone has their own opinion. Imperialism has worked to a certain extent in many cases and was even used by the U.S. at one point; however, as stated above "Imperialism is not the foundation of the United States Morals," it would not only go against the United States' morals but also be unnecessary and even harmful if the United States were to enforce imperialism because this would ruin the chance of having future relationships with other countries. Thus, causing a domino effect of losing future trades, trade routes, imports, and much more.
ReplyDeleteWhen debating the question of if the United States should enforce imperialism, you need to recall historical matters related to imperialistic behavior. Historical events have shown that imperialism almost always results in conflict and never actually tends to be successful. A prime example of this was the history of how the United States of America was created. Before the U.S. became its own nation, it was ruled by Britain. “...Britain finally began to implement a program of imperial reform that conflicted with colonists’ understanding of the empire and their place in it” (The American Yawp). Due to the British empire enforcing imperialistic behavior, the soon-to-be United States citizens fought back and demanded liberty, resulting in all out chaos. With the recollection of history, it’s evident that the United States should not enforce Imperialism.
ReplyDeleteThe question "should the United States use the power to enforce imperialism" could be answered in lots of different ways. The answer would depend on different opinions, and historical views during that time. Since a lot of places do enforce imperialism at that time and had "success" with it, you would think the united states having imperialism would be good. However, as it says above imperialism goes against the united states morals, it would also cause conflict with other countries. Therefore, united states should not enforce imperialism.
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