Was American Imperialism Justified

SukWoo Lee
Period 2
1/19/13
Position paper
Imperialism Justified During the end of the 19th century after the war and trying to recuperate, America had gone into a state of expansionism. The never ending change with the economy, agriculture and the industrial growth. Democratic National Platform, 1900 states “We assert that no nation can long endure half republic and half empire…” With this new sense of power, expanding for the Americans was inevitable. The spreading of the “good” word of God with the mindset of the “superior” race with the fact that America had to compete economically with other foreign countries had made imperialism not an option but necessary to America’s empire. Also with the other European countries also competing
The lands of the earth are limited, and soon will be taken…” quoted from Minister Josiah Strong. Many Americans felt it was not only our responsibility and duty but it was also a command from God. Minister Strong argued that America was in a race with other nations to dominate the world and obtain resources that we needed. So because America claimed that it was their duty to uplift and “Christianize” the foreign people they used this as an argument for imperialism. As Charles Darwin states “In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment." America had gone into a state of “social Darwinism”, where they thought that the earth belong to the fit and strong, which in this case is America. And so, if U.S. wanted to survive in competition of modern states, it too would have to become an imperial power. According to Beveridge, "...and thanksgiving to Almighty God that He has marked us as His chosen people, henceforth to lead in the regeneration of the world..." This embarks that they were even told that America was the chosen people, and the people who would change the entire
Many believed that America did not have the resources to keep it going. Therefore seeking other places to replenish their resources. Josiah Strong argues “The lands of the earth are limited, and soon will be taken. Then will the world enter upon a new stage in its history- the final competition of the races.” With this the race industrially began for countries claiming lands for economical purposes. Foreign trade becoming increasingly important to American economy in late 19th c. Americans considered acquiring new colonies to expand markets further. Washington Post of 1896 states “A new consciousness seems to have come upon us-the consciousness of strength-and with it a new appetite, the yearning to show our strength….Ambition, interest, land hunger, pride, the mere joy of fighting, whatever it may be we are animated by a new sensation.” Showing how Americans wanted imperialism. The small taste of it was still in their mouths and they wanted more. With also the economy being unstable they seeked foreign lands to satisfy