What are the arguments for and against imperialism?

Answer 1

The supporters of an American empire thought annexing the Philippines would provide economic and military benefits. It would provide the U.S. with a naval base in Asia, and a large market for American goods. They also believed that America had the duty to teach "less civilized" people how to live properly. Those who didn't support annexation thought that the cost to run an empire would outweigh the economic benefits that it provided. They also believed that imperialism violated American principles.

Answer 2

PRO: The US was never completely isolated from the rest of the world. Trade made the US an active member of world affairs. It was during the period of the 1890s that the US foreign policy became influenced by Imperialism. During that decade, the US became the most important industrial power in the world. That meant we had to find markets and areas to obtain raw materials. Business was also looking at other areas in the world as potential customers for our products. The US Military, especially the Navy, was growing and expanding in other areas of the world where we had not had the ability to go in force before. The war with Spain and the presidency of T. Roosevelt also made the US a major economic, military, and imperialistic power.

ANTI: There were many groups that were against imperialism as a policy for the United States. Prior to the Civil War, many northerners were opposed to acquiring more territory in the west because they feared the spread of slavery. After the Spanish-American War, some of the old "Radical Republicans" and other members of Congress opposed the idea of acquiring colonies. A large portion of the Democratic Party, led by William Jennings Bryan, opposed annexation of colonies. Anti-imperialists reminded the nation of our anti colonial heritage. They quoted Lincoln in reminding the nation that no man is good enough to govern another man without that man's consent. Many anti-imperialists were racists or appealed to those with racist ideas. They questioned whether is was wise to bring "nonwhite" people "under our flag." Many simply opposed imperialism because it would be too costly and would force the US to send American troops into "harm's way" to put down any resistance to our taking over other lands.

Answer 3

It was my mom