The American Imperialism, Essay Example

American imperialism is a term that has been hotly debated for some time.  There are advocates that support this trend over the last century or two.  Conversely, there are some that deny its existence in regards to the activities or mindset of the United States.  American imperialism came to prominence in the nineteenth century, largely linked to its activities with other countries and from its label given by the American Anti-Imperialist League.

Interactions with Other Countries

A couple of events in the nineteenth century gave way to claims of American imperialism.  The Philippine-American War and the Spanish-American War represented these two events.  As some have identified, the overzealous attempts from the United States to become involved in such affairs lends its label as an imperialist nation.

Spanish-American War

American interest in the Spanish-American War is well-documented.  The United States gained favorably in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War with the Treaty of Paris.  This allowed the United States to gain control of Cuba.  It would also lead directly to the claims of American interest in the Philippines, as the United States also gained authority over the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico following the Treaty of Paris.

The Spanish-American War brought about notions of American imperialism.  Critics such as Mark Twain were outspoken in the affairs of the United States during these events.  The motives of the United States was questioned, certainly looking at the growth that followed the Spanish-American War, that lasted through the 1920s (Bailey 1961).  The Spanish-American War has also delivered a striking blow to the Spanish Empire.  Although it had previously been declining in power, losing Cuba was a dramatic loss for the Spaniards, who had affinity for Cuba.

Philippine-American War

The Treaty of Paris in 1898 transferred control of the Philippines from Spain to the United States.  Shortly after this the Philippine-American War ensued, where the Philippines learned that the United States would not grant much more autonomy than present with Spain.  Imperialist notions were advanced from the dealings of America with the Philippines, where language and religion were forced upon the Philippines.  Control would last until after World War II (Japan held control for a period of time).

Imperialist notions were further directed at the United States as a result from the injustices committed.  Not only was the occupation of the Philippines frowned upon, but the way in which war and civilian-related dealings were approached. Filipino villagers were forced into internment camps which were filled with diseases and death.  War tactics included burning down whole villages in scorched-earth tactics, and eliminating all villagers, including women and children.  Such events were documented by American soldiers and received a great deal of media and political attention.

American Anti-Imperialist League

The American Anti-Imperialist League formed to oppose the imperialist attempts from the United States.  It was developed to oppose the Spanish-American War, as well as the events previously outlined, such as those that occurred in the Philippines.  The American Anti-Imperialist League directly criticized the actions of the United States in regards to imperialistic tendencies.

The American Anti-Imperialist League directly combats imperialist dealings, which are defined by those that “subjugate any people” (1913) as stated in the “Platform of the American Anti-Imperialist League.  In direct terms, the League denounces the “slaughter of the Filipinos” and the “extension of American Sovereignty by Spanish methods” (1913) in the labeled imperialistic attempts from the United States Government.

Conclusion

American imperialism has seen a level of evidence in the nineteenth century.  The interventions of the United States in Cuba and in the Philippines represent a couple of examples that demonstrate what critics have announced as American Imperialism.  Certainly critics of American interventions in respect to these two events have some arguments by way of the United States’ intentions and actions.

Into the twentieth century, American imperialism is still seen in a certain respect.  Whether it is viewed as American imperialism or American exceptionalism, there is a general distaste for some of the interventions that take place from the standpoint of the United States.  Currently the United States continues to be criticized in such efforts, such as those in the Middle East, for example.

American imperialism is thus seen within the earliest and latest points in the history of the United States.  Perhaps the “American Dream” has transferred into overzealous attempts and interventions.  Or, perhaps for others, they are justified in accordance with the respective situation.  It seems as if the only constant is the criticism and constant spotlight on the political actions from the United States in these regards.

Works Cited

Bailey, Thomas. 1961. The American Pageant: A history of the republic. Boston: Heath.

Bancroft, Frederick (Ed.). 1913. “Platform of the American Anti-Imperialist League.” Speeches, Correspondence, and Political Papers of Carl Schurz (Vol 6). New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.