What Are The Pros And Cons Of American Imperialism

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Nicole Bruno, Victor Chaykowsky, Natalie Kohnfelder, Michael Malinowsky, Rebecca Nauer, Courtney Stinebiser

When one thinks of imperialism they often refer to the concept with very strong feelings. The general population will either agree with it or disagree. There tends to be no middle ground. The best way to look at imperialism is with an impartial mind. If one looks at imperialism with an open mind then they are able to see both the strengths and the weaknesses that it harbors. Throughout history one is most likely able to name several circumstances where imperialism took place and also point out the obvious aftermath of. Imperialism tends to have a greater good behind it, but unfortunately may have been executed poorly.

We, pro-imperialists, …show more content…

American imperialism has been responsible for eradicating traditional cultures and languages. The Native Americans are an exemplary example of the corruption and destruction imperialism has caused throughout history. From the moment European settlers set foot on North American soil, they deemed the Native Americans, who were indigenous to the land, as “savages” and disregarded respect for their culture and traditions. Europeans brutally attacked and forcefully invaded Native American territories in an attempt of genocide. Tribes were annihilated by diseases brought to North America by the Europeans. On May 28, 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law, which aimed to remove Native American tribes out of the southern states and move them into western territory. The Indian Removal Act forced Native Americans that refused to leave their homeland to assimilate and obey the laws of the United States. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, the goal of the government was to replace native cultures of Native Americans with White American values. Native American converts were expected to learn and adopt English customs, trades, and religious beliefs. Reformers sent many Native American children “to boarding schools to immerse them in White American culture while stripping away their native culture” (Francis Flavin). The aforementioned tactics and practices ultimately assisted in the eradication of a traditional culture and language. Many lives were lost in the battles fought to protect the Native American culture. American imperialism devalued and disrespected other cultures as it aimed to be superior in power, popularity, and

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