Introduction
Imperialism has been explained in various ways. According to imperialism's history, it is considered to have originated from Europe due to economic problems facing the continent. During the last decades of the 19th century, the European continent faced economic issues such as protecting the overseas markets for industrial product sales. Another economic problem facing Europe's countries was the need to enhance industrial raw materials' flow into their industries. This paper will define imperialism, provide three examples of American imperialism, and explain why the United States became an imperialistic nation.
Imperialism Definition
Imperialism is outspreading dominion and power, specifically by attaining commercial or dogmatic control of other nations or straight state acquirement. Typically, imperialism involves the use of force, whether economic or military ( Pisani-Ferry, 2019 ). Hence, imperialism can be considered morally reprehensible and most often employed in international propaganda to discredit and denounce an opponent's foreign policy. The history of western Asia and the history of China portrays ancient time's imperialism.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
American Imperialism Examples
There are several examples of American imperialism during the last decades of the 19th century. The New Manifest Destiny is a classic example. The US victory in the Spanish-American war and the expansion of the US Navy recognized the United States as an imperial power in both the Pacific and the Caribbean ( Johnson, 2020 ). The war victory forced Spain to surrender the control of Guam and Cuba to the US.
Another example of American imperialism is the annex of Hawaii and Samoa to the United States. The annexing of Samoa and Hawaii occurred at the end of the 19th century after some overseas American businessmen saw Hawaii and Samoa as an essential link in the south Pacific. These businessmen pressured the US government and naval officers to negotiate with Pacific islanders for trade and naval bases. Spain surrendering the Philippines to the US under the Treaty of Paris terms is another example of American imperialism.
Reasons for the US Becoming an Imperialistic Nation
The economic reason is the primary reason for the US becoming an imperialistic nation. The US wanted to be an imperialistic nation to secure overseas territories that would provide raw materials to the US industries. Military strength desire and their belief in cultural superiority are other reasons why the US decided to become an imperialistic nation.
Conclusion
Despite the circumstances, imperialism is not a good practice. However, American imperialism flared for a brief time in the 20th century. When the US was an imperialistic nation, it embraced its economic, religious, and cultural influence internationally. The newly founded military power ensured that the US obtain control over people and nations. Indeed, American imperialism shaped the current ambitions of the United States.
References
Johnson, L. (2020). Native American Iconography: Analyzing Peele’s Critique of American Imperialism in Us. The Mall , 4 (1), 9. https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1267&context=the-mall
Pisani-Ferry, J. (2019). Europe and the New Imperialism. Project Syndicate. April , 1 . http://www.bresserpereira.org.br/terceiros/2019/abril/19.04-Europe-New-Imperalism.pdf
