Preview

Example Of American Imperialism

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
490 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Example Of American Imperialism
The United States Of Imperialism by Mary Stoelting

Google defines imperialism as “a policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force”. Judging by this definition, US imperialism definitely exists. There are many examples of both imperialism through diplomacy, and imperialism through military force, in history. Whether or not intentional, it still happened. One example of imperialism through military forces by the US would be the annexation of Hawaii. In January of 1893, American sugar-growers in Hawaii staged an uprising to overthrow the queen. US marines stormed the islands, albeit without President approval, forcing the queen to abdicate the throne. This left the president to decide what to do, but he left office before deciding. Then, President William McKinley signed a joint resolution annexing an island because naval bases on the islands would be critical during the
…show more content…
Through diplomacy, such as aid sent to other countries, the US does enact imperialism. When we send aid, we send supplies made in the US. Because the US doesn’t even think to send them items native to their own country, we are forcing them to accept our culture. It’s basically like saying; “either accept our products or die”. Even if it’s not intentional, this is definitely an example of diplomatic imperialism. The effects of this aid do not stop there though. When introduced to US products and forced to accept them into their daily lives, it gives the US another distinct advantage. Consumerism. They grow attached to these US products and when they have no need to receive them through aid any longer, they look elsewhere to find them. This encourages businesses to expand worldwide and promotes globalization. Businesses go where demand is highest. This US consumerism is another example of imperialism, because although it is not strictly control by the US, but it is definitely the US’s

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Imperialism is a policy. Based on this policy, a country uses diplomacy and military forces to expand its power and influence across the world. This will eventually result in becoming a superpower. When it comes to imperialism, America has a lot to say because it sure was a great imperialist between 1867-1917. Many American believed U.S. had to “expand or explode” because of its fast growing population. When the population grows, industrial production demand for more resources. People start to realize and worry that some of the existing natural resources of the country will eventually dry up. Therefore, economists saw oversea markets a possible safety valve for U.S. internal pressures. As a result, foreign trade was…

    • 380 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The United States annexing Hawaii in 1900 would be an example of imperialism. When Americans first settled onto the island people started making plantations. They farmed sugar and exported it to the United States. Shortly after the U.S. was a super power because of how strong we got. We started to put tariffs on sugar in order to convince the Hawaiian Royalty to let us make Pearl Harbor.…

    • 278 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Imperialism in today’s society, where it is seen in almost every society in one way or another, is used as leverage to gain social status. The countries that implement imperialism in their diplomatic relations use the method for the same common goal: to gain wealth, power, and status. Sociologically, what is it that pins country against country? It is all propelled by the Conflict Paradigm, which “argues that the structured system of all of society is based on conflict over the goods of society (wealth, power, and status)” (Dunn, 9). In America, we still today see the Conflict Paradigm in action because American imperialism is still one of our diplomatic…

    • 1127 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    From the late 1800s to after World War II, the United States moved from the idea of isolationism to greater involvement in world affairs. The United States became actively involved with several countries. The United States was now following a policy that some criticized as imperialism. Although American Imperialism had both benefits and drawbacks for the United States, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for various reasons, such as improving the United States economy and opening up shorter routes for United States ships. Thus, imperialism is beneficial for the United States.…

    • 1036 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The United States entered the realm of imperialism at the end of the nineteenth century due to a combination of the desire for military strength, commercialism, and a belief of cultural superiority.Imperialism can be defined as the policy of extending the sphere of your country’s influence through economic,diplomatic, or military means.…

    • 545 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    At the turn of the century, imperialism was a proper and legitimate policy for the United States of America to assume. The economy in the United States flourished as imperialism continued to expand. The United States was also equipped with the top military forces in the entire world, making it easy for them to take over other countries. The U.S also believed imperialism was going hand-in-hand with the idea of Manifest Destiny. Not only did imperialism help the U.S thrive economically, but it helped the entire world thrive.…

    • 566 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    American imperialism in the late 1800's was a break in American foreign policy. America has always wanted to expand the country. In the 1880's, many people thought that America should join countries such as England and set up colonies overseas. Imperialism is when a bigger, stronger country wants to control other smaller and weaker territories.At that time, imperialism was a trend around the world. America became an imperialist nation because of economic reasons, militery interests,and cultural superiority.…

    • 941 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    America became an imperialist nation, despite the fact that while many were open to it, many were not. Jane Addams was very adverse to the idea of imperialism, and she thought it was wrong. I don’t believe America should enforce imperialism.…

    • 279 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Mark Twain: Imperialism is superfluous and it will never bring greatness to America. The United States of America was founded on freedom and equality. Imperialism goes against what our nation was founded upon. It would be completely hypocritical to control other people when we live in a country that believes in democracy. In case you forgot Mr. Roosevelt, democracy is a form of government where the citizens exercise power together.…

    • 639 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Imperialism is the policy of extending the rule of authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries or acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies. Now that we know the definition of imperialism we can define how imperialism was seen in the United States. The purposes of the United States to start imperialism were to gain power, land, and products from other countries. The Christian religion got involved when missionaries went to the conquer lands to convert people such as one of its is leaders Rev. Josiah Strong. We can say imperialism was legitimate because the consequences that the United States got in the end were all positive; even though a lot of people suffered through its end.…

    • 470 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    During the late 19th and early 20th century, the United States emerged as victors of the Spanish American war. As a result, they received territorial concession on behalf of the Spanish. These territorial gains were the start of an era of American imperialism and expansion. This expansion was both a continuation and a departure from previous foreign policy and expansion.…

    • 798 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    The U.S. would not allow the continued colonization or aggressive actions by European countries but this did not stop the U.S. from its own imperialistic ambitions. This policy was used to great effect when the U.S. warned Great Britain to keep out of Hawaii. Which the U.S. then annexed. One could argue the United States was already dabbling in imperialism prior to the Spanish-American War. However because of the ceding of certain countries and Spanish colonies to America increased the fledgling empire. Aside from gaining colonies and holdings from military action the U.S. also gained some colonies and land via “dollar diplomacy” and buying countries…

    • 696 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Towards the end of the eighteenth century, the industrial revolution broke out in Europe and the Americas, which transformed them from primarily rural farm areas into industrial urban societies. The industrial revolution embarked the countries affected on a demand for raw materials and new markets. For years countries endlessly invaded other countries to try and colonize them, for example; The United States, India, and South Africa were all colonies of England. This agenda by countries really sped up after the industrial revolution, but by the time the United States got involved most of the world had been divided up and claimed. One landmass that had not been claimed was Hawaii, which at the time was ruled by a weak monarchy. Hawaii was in control of a major sugar market and was a main exporter to the United States up until the McKinley Tariff was passed which practically diminished their market (Hall 11). From this point many of those sellers wanted Hawaii to be annexed by the United States in its purpose diminishing the tariff completely. As the monarchy lost support and power the Hawaiian Islands and its people where in peril. That is when the on-looking United States stepped in with their executive leader, Benjamin Harrison, delivering a speech to congress regarding his imposition to annex the Hawaii Islands. Harrison describes the Hawaiian government as being, “Evident that monarchy had become effete and the Queen’s government so weak and inadequate (Harrison 30)”. The United States’ congress ended up approving of the annex of Hawaii and so began the United States economic prosperity from the territory, resources, and newly acquired…

    • 616 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    This view of Imperialism has especially been believed by Americans as they themselves were once a victim of it. But let us take a closer look at the Imperialism America so justly fought against. It's the mid to late 18th century and the Seven Years War wages on in Europe between Austria and Prussia, but closer to home the French and Indian War is being fought in America between France and Great Britain. This is the first modern imperialistic war. America, a British colony, cries out for help from her mother country to save her from the French amassing on her borders. After several years of hard fought war the British finally establish a crushing defeat to France and her Indian allies. The war is over and America is safe. But there is a problem. There are now thousands of British soldiers in America and a bankrupt England that cannot afford to ship them back. Britain calls out to her colony for aid, like America called out several years before, to give quarter to the very soldiers that saved them. Britain also raises taxes to help pay for the debt, not only taxes in America, but also in England. Not quite the evil story of British tyranny we have come to know. I shall now pose to you two definitions of Imperialism, the one so often told, and…

    • 1601 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The United States became an imperialist country in the late 19th century, but the U.S. had a tradition of expansion long before it became imperialistic. By 1890, the U.S. had become the worlds most productive economy, producing twice as much as its competitors; Britain. With the increase in production by industries, the demand for resources heightened and the land under control of the United States couldn’t fulfill this rapid demand. Therefore, the only option was to expand the territorial area. American imperialism was driven by a need for new markets for goods and other raw materials, a hunger for more military strength, and a belief of cultural superiority combined with social darwinism to justify imperialism; U.S. had a responsibility…

    • 129 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays