Spanish American Imperialism Analysis

During the Spanish American war, as well as the Philippine American war, America was in a state of international expansion and imperialism. This period of time brought about political unrest nationwide because of the argument; to be an imperialist nation or not to be an imperialist nation? Ultimately, American took on an imperialist point of view in foreign endeavors, however the question remains was this the right idea? During this proliferation of American imperialism, America colonized the Philippines, but ultimately the anti-imperialist movement won the war on imperialism. This small part of American history has helped to set the tone of our foreign policy as we know it today. The beginning of the Spanish American war brought about a

Through his leadership, he sought and fought for America to become a world power through military involvement and multiple expanses that would bring even greater economic gains. He was seen as one of the biggest components of American imperialism. His views on expanding the military and navy went a long way as a key way for America to acquire more territories especially in central and south America. According to the American Yawp, America did not use straight military prowess to acquire its newly found South American territories. “United States therefore more often used informal methods of empire, such as so-called “dollar diplomacy,” to assert dominance over the hemisphere” (American Yawp). The “dollar diplomacy” was a strategic way for America to consume economically unstable countries that either owed them international debts or needed “assistance”. America took these countries independence with almost no resistance because of the immaculate economic and military differences. Another way Roosevelt would consume smaller countries was through gunboat diplomacy. The strategy is explained to be “naval forces and marines land in a national capital to protect American and Western personnel, temporarily seize control of the government, and dictate policies friendly to American business, such as the repayment of foreign loans.” (AY) The navy founded these bases

occupied the country to assist its revolution over the Spanish control, yet we remained and refused to give them their independence following the Spanish American War. While politicians, pundits, businessmen, and journalists argued over whether American imperialism was the right thing to do, the continued occupation of the Philippines escalated into another revolt as the citizens of the island nation rose up against its would-be liberators. The Philippine-American War officially lasted just four short years, 1899-1902, it really continued for nearly forty years and spanned both World Wars. It became an important part of the Pacific Front during World War II, and was the site of some of the most devastating battles between the U.S. and Japanese forces. Japan invaded the Philippines in 1941 and maintained occupation of the islands until 1945 despite multiple attempts by the Allied forces to re-take them. Ultimately, the United States granted the Philippines its independence in 1946 with the Treaty of