At the end of the 19th century America’s policy was one of imperialism, in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, and/or military control over weaker nations (Pearson). Imperialism, driven by the U.S. desire to expand markets and protect economic interests overseas, allowed the U.S. access to trade in both the Caribbean and the Pacific. Although economic growth and political stability were outcomes of US Imperialism, these positive effects were often outweighed by the loss of life, freedom, and loss of cultures in the colonized areas.
Several factors in the United States led to Imperialism. The US depression of 1893 meant unemployment was high and farmers were suffering greatly from overproduction (due to advances in technology), low consumption and low prices. Overseas territories would provide US businesses and farmers access to new markets to sell their surplus of goods leading to higher prices, more profits and more jobs. Political and military ambitions also fueled imperialism. Alfred Thayer Mahan, a naval strategist and the author of The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, argued that "Whoever rules the waves rules the world" (Pearson). Hawaii was seen as the Crossroads of the Pacific. In 1893, a small group of sugar and pineapple-growing businessmen, backed by the U.S. military, deposed Hawaii's queen, seized 1.75 million acres of land, and conspired for U.S. annexation of the islands, which was achieved in 1898. Hawaii became a state in 1959. The taking of Panama by President Roosevelt is another example where the United …show more content…
During the Philippine war, more than 4,000 American soldiers, about 20,000 Filipino fighters, and an estimated 200,000 Filipino civilians died. In addition the goal of spreading democracy went mostly
Several factors in the United States led to Imperialism. The US depression of 1893 meant unemployment was high and farmers were suffering greatly from overproduction (due to advances in technology), low consumption and low prices. Overseas territories would provide US businesses and farmers access to new markets to sell their surplus of goods leading to higher prices, more profits and more jobs. Political and military ambitions also fueled imperialism. Alfred Thayer Mahan, a naval strategist and the author of The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, argued that "Whoever rules the waves rules the world" (Pearson). Hawaii was seen as the Crossroads of the Pacific. In 1893, a small group of sugar and pineapple-growing businessmen, backed by the U.S. military, deposed Hawaii's queen, seized 1.75 million acres of land, and conspired for U.S. annexation of the islands, which was achieved in 1898. Hawaii became a state in 1959. The taking of Panama by President Roosevelt is another example where the United …show more content…
During the Philippine war, more than 4,000 American soldiers, about 20,000 Filipino fighters, and an estimated 200,000 Filipino civilians died. In addition the goal of spreading democracy went mostly