Essay About American Imperialism

During the late nineteenth century, the United States joined an imperialistic movement in which they expanded their economic, political, or military control over weaker nations. At this time, European nations were already imperialist powers who established colonies all throughout Africa. Because the United States wanted to be in new markets, have a stronger military, and believed they were culturally superior, they joined this trend of imperialism. American imperialism promoted economic prosperity in some countries, but in others it resulted in more chaos and resentment; therefore, American imperialism was justifiable in certain countries but not in others. When America gained control over certain countries, they handled their problems with manipulative tactics or unmoral solutions. In Cuba, the United States contradicted what they had promised at the beginning of the Spanish American War. The Teller Amendment stated that the U.S. would not control any part of Cuba after the Spanish American War; however, the U.S. used its powerful military to force Cuba to pass the Platt amendment which stated “the [U.S] [had] [the] right to intervene for the preservation of Cuban independence, the maintenance of
In Cuba, the Platt Amendment betrayed Cubans and created resentment. The war with the Philippines cost too much and resulted in the deaths of many innocent people. Good came out of China where the Open Door notes created free trade and kept Europe from controlling them and in Panama, the construction of the canal improved the economy. Even today, imperialism can be connected to certain groups. For example, ISIS is trying to control different countries in the Middle East. As they expand, their expansion of their ideas and power is seen to be unjustifiable and should be