American imperialism in the nineteenth century

American Imperialism (APA Citation)

American Imperialism in the Late 19th Century

There were two main reasons for American overseas expansion in the late 19th century: economic and nationalistic reasons. As America entered the industrial revolution, it wanted to expand commercially, this meant overseas materials and markets. Alfred T. Mahan explained this concept in his 1890 book The Influence of Sea Power upon History, and argued that modern industrial nations need foreign markets for their goods, and they must have a naval force capable of protecting these markets. As the United States began to industrialize it's navy, it also began to develop a strong sense of nationalism. Beginning with the concept of "Manifest Destiny," where American believed that God had given them the entire continent to settle and civilize; by the late 1800's Americans had developed this concept and expanded it beyond the shores of the Pacific Ocean. But instead of conquering new territory, Americans were introducing liberty and freedom to places around the world. This became the justification for the opening of Japan in the 1850's, the Spanish-American War, the American intervention in China, American intervention in Latin America, and continues to be the justification for American intervention around the world today.

It was Senator Albert J. Beveridge, in his speech "In support of an American Empire," which spelled out a more practical meaning of the American occupation of the Philippines. The Senator stated that "our largest trade must be with Asia… The Philippines give us a base at the door of all the East." (Beveridge) Increased trade with Asia had been an American dream since the early days of the Republic, and had been advanced greatly by the 1852 visit of Commodore Perry to Japan. The opening of Japan ensured supply bases for American ships sailing to that part of the world, also ensuring that the number of ships sailing to that part of the world increased.

But in addition to increased trade, the American people developed the idea that they had an obligation to "civilize" the uncivilized parts of the world. Sen. Beveridge parroted this idea in his speech when he stated that God "has marked the American people as his chosen nation to finally lead in the regeneration of the world. This is the divine mission of America, and it holds for us all the profit, all the glory, all the happiness possible to man." (Beveridge)

After the Spanish-American War, the United States found itself in possession of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Islands. While the island of Cuba mostly was allowed to run it's affairs independently, the United States maintained a legal right to intervene in Cuban affairs, both domestic and foreign, until 1934. ("Platform") In the cases of Puerto Rico and the Philippines, the United States maintained these nations as colonies. In February of 1899, the Filipinos rebelled against American Imperialism in a bloody guerrilla war, but were ruthlessly suppressed by the United States. ("Platform") Also in 1899, in response to their nation's seemingly Imperialistic actions, some in the United States, including Andrew Carnegie and William James, founded the "American AntiImperialist League."

This group was dedicated to stopping American annexation of the Philippines and stated in "Platform of the American AntiImperialist league" "that the policy of imperialism is hostile to liberty and tends toward militarism." ("Platform") The Platform wanted the United States to stop all military action in the Philippines, and "concede to them the independence for which they have so long fought and which of right is theirs." ("Platform") The League then chided the American government for betraying the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, denied that they had any obligation to support the government, and threatened to politically "contribute to the defeat of any persons or party that stands for the forcible subjugation of any people." ("Platform") They then went on to quote from Abraham Lincoln ending with his warning that "those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." ("Platform") Unfortunately the League was unsuccessful in it's endeavors.