Albert Beveridge Imperialism

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On April 21, 1898, America declared war against Spain for a multitude of reasons. Long before this, the Filipinos were entangled in a war against Spain for their independence. Many Filipinos saw American intervention in the war as a beneficial situation. They believed America would help secure their long-awaited freedom but were greatly mistaken. When the Treaty of Paris was signed to end the Spanish-American War, America gained possession of the Philippine Islands. Due to contradicting viewpoints, conditions, and values; the conundrum America faced on whether or not to keep the Philippine Islands was widely discussed during the early twentieth century. This dilemma has raised the high demand for an imperialistic empire within American politics. …show more content…

Many Americans believed in implementing imperialism by extending the republic to Philippine Islands was the best option for society. One very key promoter of this form of politics was Albert Beveridge. During his 1898 campaign for Senate, he discussed the positive and beneficial outcomes of keeping the Philippine Islands. Beveridge believed that the American Nation consisted of the chosen people for the Philippines. He believed the American government to be the best in the world, and it was the duty of the American citizens to spread their government to other provinces. Furthermore explained in his campaign America would reap great benefits once the American republic was spread to the Philippine Islands. Another important benefit Beveridge stood firm to was becoming the sovereign factor in the peace of the world. According to Beveridge, “The hour of the decision to keep the Philippines and expand beyond the borders should not be wasted,” many agreed with this claim. With many influential standpoints and promotions, Beveridge won the 1898 campaign for Senate. The popularity of his ideas and the support he had from the voting people justifies his claim to victory. Even with his winning of the election, there were many Americans who disagreed with his ideas, believing that the Philippines deserved …show more content…

They allowed America to become a commercial empire prospering in world trade. The Philippine Islands brought resources, new employment, better wages, constructive investment, important trade in provinces, and a wave of immigration causing American citizenship to raise. With all of these additions to America’s economy, it justifies the decision to keep the Philippine Islands as a victory for the spread of imperialistic ideas in America. Imperialist were more interested in the betterment of America as a whole which was more persuasive than anti-imperialist motives. Because of their claims to raise American trade and profit through the possession of the Philippines, the imperialist won the ultimate argument on the possession of the islands. The decision to keep the islands was beneficial to both parties involved. Because of the ties made between America and the Philippines, the United States is now one of the island's top trading partners and largest foreign investors, and in turn, America currently receives a multitude of exported goods from the islands including copper strings, sponges, felt hats, sulfides, and vacuum flask glass

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