Us_Imperialism

1) In the early twentieth century the United States had an aggressive policy of imperialism and expansion. American Imperialism is reflected in many places such as Panama, Cuba, Hawaii, and others. In panama the U.S. intended to build a canal between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean to make trade between countries easier. But the U.S. was unable to get into an agreement with Colombia, so America aided panama to revolt against Colombia. Ultimately the U.S. announces Panama an independent nation and builds the canal. The U.S. controls the canal and makes millions off of it until 1977. The entire purpose of the canal was to fill the interest of having a stronger naval power and for the economic reason of trade. The effects of this operation were successful for the U.S. and Panama by increasing world trade and giving panama there separate nation, but the effects were not as pleasant for Colombia. However it was a different story in Cuba. Cuba came under the dominance of U.S. imperialism when the Cubans had been fighting for their freedom from Spain, but the U.S. apprehended on the condition to use Cuba to help control trade and a defense for the Panama Canal. The U.S. sent General William McKinley to free Cuba; he failed however he was successful in starting a Cuban rebellion against the Spanish. In 1854 the U.S. holds a meeting and decides rather than buying Cuba they will take it over. Cuba becomes successful in declaring independence, but U.S. still runs Cuba economically. The United States reason for expanding into Hawaii was for its good location and natural resources. In the beginning The U.S. was protecting Hawaii from foreign invasion, but only to claim it for our selves. Many wealthy Americans moved to Hawaii for its rich land. And at the time only land owners can vote in Hawaii therefore pretty much controlled it. Once the king was removed from power the queen had changes the laws giving natives more rights. In due time the U.S. military steps in and forces the Queen to hand the country over. Later we annex Hawaii in 1898. This effects Hawaii dramatically due to the lose of their independence. The invasions of Panama, Cuba, and Hawaii were all part of the American quest for expansion.