United States Industrial Imperialism
Document # 1
Theodore Roosevelt justifies imperialism by claiming it is in the best interest of the nation and even extending into national security. Failure to address the threats around the world would, according to Roosevelt, result in "the bolder and stronger peoples pass(ing) us by and will win for themselves the domination of the world". By not acting and avoiding conflict it would show that Americans were "weaklings and we were unfit to stand among the great nations of the earth". He also states that making history and being a part of it is better that no history of a patriotic nation.
Document # 2
Emilio Aguinaldo rallies his people to fight the incoming American troops stating that it is better to fight and sacrifice all for honor and national integrity than to become slaves of America.
Document # 3
The document takes the position of being against the government's decision in taking over territories across the world, in particular the Philippines. The American Anti-Imperialist League proclaims imperialism to be hostile to liberty (the foundation of our freedom) and which we are taking away from other countries by having a military occupation. The group maintains that the source of governmental power is by the consent of the voting people and should not be forgotten. They remind the elected officials who do not act in the best interests of the people will not be re-elected.
Document # 4
Mark Twain's words emphasize the greed of men (America) for wealth and power by the expense of those who fight to protect freedom.
Document # 5
A soldier voices his opinion on how the people are being treated by the troops and commanding officers in the Philippines. The lack of experience in the high ranks have had negative effects on the treatment and safety of the Pilipino allies, which the generals have grouped them as being the same as the enemies. Retaliation is inevitable when the opportunity presents itself and the rebuilding of relations after the conflict will be very difficult because of how the natives are being treated.
Document # 6
The Platt Amendment of Cuban Independence ensures that the island never enters into any treaty with foreign powers, protection under American military powers, provide Cuban citizens sanitation and wellbeing, and occupation of naval American bases on the island. How is this limiting Cuban independence?
Document # 7
Roosevelt does some public relations work by talking about the United States' occupation of foreign lands. He says that no nation should fear America as long as your government is similar. Anything other than democracy would face the intervention of American troops knocking at your door.
Document # 8
Woodrow Wilson announces that America will no longer take foreign land by force. Instead, America will build friendships based on honor and without self interest. It appears that America's conquests of other lands have resulted in enemies that have formed alliances against America and the President is trying his best to reverse the ill will of the world against America.
Essay # 1
The essay, by Gail Bederman, talks about how Theodore Roosevelt's conquest for power lead him to believe that white male Americans were the dominate race and he, being white, would be doing civilization a favor by disposing of the inferior races. The author even gives an example of the cleansing of an inferior race, the Indians in the west. Roosevelt wanted to expand the army and maintain the navy to take control over Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. American white males who chose not to participate were considered weak and compared to the Chinese men. Roosevelt argued that if the people of America lost its will to fight and take over weaker races, then a more powerful race would take over America. The application of Darwinism to the human race was exploited and used to justify expansion into foreign countries, saying that "quality breeding was essential, because evolutionary development (breeding) was what gave 'the White Man' the right and duty to conquer uncivilized races".
Essay # 2
The essay, by Emily Rosenberg, talks about how the expansion of American power into foreign territories was essential in global dominance and economic stability. As American companies such as Standard Oil, International Harvest, and New York Life, relied more heavily on exports to fund growth, they pressed for governmental assistance into new expanding markets or 'opportunities'. The government responded by taking on new regions of the world that included Cuba, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. The acquisition of the Philippines was thought to be the "gateway to the Orient" or the "American Hong Kong". Global dominance of new territories was often justified as being "God's will and furthered the spiritual and economic evolution of mankind". In the end, however, the cost of expansion outweighed the benefits. Although Americans favored continued expansion, according to Rosenberg, it would not be in the best interest of the tax paying citizens of America.
I would have to agree with Rosenberg's essay. It makes sense since it's the elite business men who runs the show and is constantly seeking new opportunities. However, I don't see why American companies wouldn't be able to trade with other countries without first having to take the foreign region by force.
