American History

American imperialism took place between the late 1880s and the early 20th century. The United States embarked on a massive expansion policy which extended the American social, economic and political influence in all parts of the world.  Historians consider this period to be one of the most important periods in the history of the world which has enable it to be the most powerful country throughout the 20th century. The American imperialism had several motives. Moreover, the effects of the expansive policies were far reaching both in the United States and around the world (Tomlinson, 1991).

Just as the English imperialism that had took place earlier, there were several reasons that prompted American imperialism. Many scholars are for the argument that the American imperialism was as a result increased need to create market for goods as a result of industrial revolution to make the investment more profitable. Moreover, as the 20th century approached, expansion was inevitable if the United States had to remain significant in the world due to increased competition. Advocates for the expansion policies claimed that the American economy produced more than the local markets required. Expanding the market for the surplus and creating demand was essential for the economic prosperity of the country. Economic influence in foreign countries required some political and social influence. Therefore the basic motives for the expansive policies adopted in the age of imperialism were economic. But religious motives also took center stage during the American imperialism. The American imperialism was necessitated by the need to promote Christian civilization throughout the world (Streich, 2009).

In the second half of the 19th century, the American population had increased significantly. Industrial production and the need to cleat more wealth were also evident which resulted into demand for more markets and resources. The Americans supported the idea of imperialism because of the fear that the American resources would be exhausted sooner than later and the problem of overproduction with limited markets. The Americans also desired international status which was held by the economies from Europe. This meant expanding international markets and owning territories overseas (Streich, 2009).

The American imperialism started with the Spanish American War when United States gained possession of several countries in Central America which were occupied by the Spanish. Islands such as Hawaii and Cuba were in the interest of the United States way before the start of the war. America was aware of the resources held by the Central American countries especially Cuba and American companies had started investing in the island. On the other hand, Hawaii served as a perfect port in the Pacific together with other island which was controlled by the United States in conjunction with the Germans. The port provided an efficient access point to trade with the Asian countries especially China. The United States also exerted pressure on the European economies to ease the trade limitations that blocked the entry of the Americans in trade with countries in Asia (Streich, 2009).

Being entirely a Christian country, the Americans designated themselves as the Gods chosen nation. They therefore considered imperialism as an important channel of spreading Christianity in other parts of the world. This was the main reason why the United States decided to keep Philippines which was captured from the Span after the war. The Americans considered spreading the gospel to the nations they considered uncivilized their moral obligation. It was the duty of the Americans to uplift the lives of the majority who lived in poor conditions around the world (Bacevich, 2008).

Although American imperialism was very popular among the Americans, it received a lot of criticism from some elements in the business, some members of the public and prominent leaders. Most of the opposition was on the capture of Philippines by the United States which resulted into death in the late 1990s. This approach was considered to be against the principles of the American society, democracy and freedom, by some leaders while labor leaders thought that the labor markets would be negatively affected by foreign workers. Americans opposed to the trends formed the Anti Imperialism League. They spoke against the United States occupying Philippines as a strategic route to Asia. The Americans were accused of mercilessly killing the Filipinos while the protestant missionaries from America working in Philippines were accused of forcefully converting Filipino Catholics (Streich, 2009).

In the early 20th century, American imperialism was an important political debate in the United States and was the main issue in President McKinley reelection campaigns. Although Philippines was not independent until mid 20th century while the United States continued to intervene in the internal affairs of Cuba, Puerto Rico attained independent and formed a civil government in 1901 (Streich, 2009).

The age of imperialism is an important period in the history of the United States. It marks the period when the United States implemented expansive policies resulting into political and economic influence around the world. Though it was criticized by a large number of people, it created markets for American goods leading to increased productivity and played an important role in the spread of Christianity.