American_Imperialism

American Imperialism America like all other nations has seen many different periods of growth, development, and change. The nineteenth century was a time of change for America. America was not a very old country at that time and Americans were struggling to create and maintain an empire. This ttime has become known as imperialism. Although, not everyone agreed with imperialism, the major events associated with imperialism shaped the future of America. The nineteenth century was an important time in the history of America. During this period the nation was experiencing change in many directions. Americans were producing more crops and ventured into shipping those crops all over the world. The high demand of these products created “growing commercial ties” and “turned American heads overseas” (Davidson, Delay, Heyrman, Lytle, Stoff, 2008. Pg.611). America had to find outlets for the growing trade markets and needed materials from other parts of the world which helped increase trade activity. Businesses in the U.S. were growing at a rapid pace, and were also exporting goods, materials, and items at an impressive rate. America was almost set up for imperialism; however there were still matters that needed to be handled before imperialism could truly take place. The Navy was not strong enough to be able to deal with affairs around the world. The Navy had dealt with set-backs that reverted back to around the Civil War. None of the Navy’s vessels had been modernized and most of the boats were in need of serious repair. However, Mahan, a naval captain, had come up with a theory based on the argument “that great nations were seafaring powers that relied on foreign trade for wealth and might” (Davidson et al, 2008. Pg.613). Mahan had the ear of Congress, the Navy which had been sorely lacking began growing in size and was “ranked third in the world by 1900” (Davidson et al, 2008. Pg.613). During this time other key elements were falling into place. Through the work of certain people key elements were falling into place that would help the U.S. in its endeavors of becoming a major player in the world. Seward was trying to connect the United States with Asia. During this time Seward acquired “Midway Island in the Pacific and Alaska” (Davidson et al, 2008. Pg. 614). Blaine, Secretary of State, proposed the “Pan –American Union” which helped lower costs of traded items (Davidson et al, 2008. Pg. 615). Hawaii came into the control of the American government because American sugar planters overthrew the queen. Hawaii then became the link to the rest of the world that the U.S. needed. During this same time conflict arose between Cuba and their governing Spain. The U.S. stayed out of the Cuban business for a while then when a new president was elected he decided to try and help the Cubans gain their independence because of a letter that was intercepted. When the USS Maine blew up it was suspected that Spain had something to do with it and tensions rose even higher. President McKinley tried to handle things in a peaceful manner but advised Americans “to get ready for war” (Davidson et al, 2008. Pg. 618). The Americans then embarked on a battle with Spain over Cuba and subsequently a battle for the Philippine islands. The Imperial War was the precursor of the debate over what to do with the islands once the war was over. The U.S. had let its claim on Cuba go through a treaty but did not want to let chaos take over the island. The U.S. had to protect its business and military endeavors in the area. In the Philippines the same situation was the same as Cuba. In the end to see the last of war; a treaty was signed and “Spain surrendered title to Cuba, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States, and in return for $20 million turned over the Philippines as well” (Davidson et al, 2008. Pg. 623). The United States having these islands in their possession gave Americans another place to stop on their voyages to China. Being the United States had gained these islands and controlling aspects of the Cuban government the United States solidified their position in the global trade. The United States was like a snowball rolling down a hill becoming a force to be reckoned with. The commerce and trade between the United States and other parts of the world strengthened and became the large corporation it is today. Although, many Americans were ecstatic over the ideas of imperialism and the gains from it many people were actually against it. Those against imperialism looked at it as a way for a person to govern others against their will. They considered the U.S. government an absolute power that was not upholding the Constitution. Those against imperialism also claim that liberty is for everyone and no one but God can deliver or take away that kind of freedom (Halstall, 1997). In conclusion, not everyone agreed with imperialism at the time; but it was an important step in the history of the U.S. During this time America became the powerful country it is today. It was not easy and was filled with strife and complications, however; the U.S. accumulated key areas in its holdings that guaranteed a great future trade wise which helped boost the economy and allowed continued growth.