History

Discussion #4: American Imperial Expansion

The Republican victory in 1896 gave heart to proponents of prosperity through foreign trade. McKinley sought neither war nor colonies, but many in his party wanted both. Called “jingos,” they included Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt; John Hay, the ambassador to London, and senators Albert Beveridge and Henry Cabot Lodge. Britain, France, and Germany were seizing territory around the world, and jingos believed the United States needed to do the same for strategic, religious, and economic reasons.

In order to prepare for this discussion forum::
Review and identify the relevant sections of Chapter 21 that support your discussion.
Read the linked document, taken from an article by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge (R-MASS), in the 1895 issue of Forum magazine. What motives for imperialism are reflected in Lodge’s article?
After you have completed your readings post your response to only ONE of the following questions.

Several reasons are proposed explaining why the United States decided to join the “Imperialist Club”. Which argument was the strongest, and which argument was the weakest? Explain your position.
Is there any evidence to support Kristin Hoganosn’s argument regarding the role of gender and the Spanish-American War? (Suggestion: students might want to review the previous chapter for a discussion on this topic). Discuss if you agree or disagree with her argument. Make sure to support your position.
In your opinion, do Lodge’s arguments support the need for the United States to acquire an imperial empire? Explain your position.
In order to earn the full 100 points (100%) for this assignment, you must:

Directly and completely answer at least ONE question. Please make sure that you clearly indicate which question you have chosen to discuss. Clearly and accurately explain your answer based on factual information contained in the assigned readings. (80 points)
Students must respond to at least one fellow student’s posting explaining the reason(s) for their agreement or disagreement, with the arguments that have been presented, in order to get full credit for the discussion. (20 points)
When posting your response to a fellow student’s comment, please try whenever possible, to select the question that you did not address for your discussion.
Make sure that all statements are supported with facts from the reading selections.
Reminder: Please make sure to comply with all Netiquette Guidelines listed in the Getting Started module.

Link to course book:

https://b-ok.org/book/3510103/6cf685

ANSWER

American Imperial Expansion

Question: Several reasons are proposed explaining why the United States decided to join the “Imperialist Club”. Which argument was the strongest, and which argument was the weakest? Explain your position.

Strongest argument: Thirst for new markets

The strongest argument for the United States to join the imperialist club was the thirst for new markets overseas. America had advanced its production technology and it was producing more foods and goods that it could use. This huge availability of surplus provided room for exports to other countries. Expanding beyond borders was a sure way of securing trade markets and routes overseas. The country needed to sell its surplus products in new lands. Imperialism was the best way of accessing this market at that time. The need for production was increasing in the United States. In some circumstances industries lacked sufficient raw materials to produce goods in bulk. The need to acquire raw materials from other countries provided a genuine reason for an imperial pursuit.

Weakest argument: the belief in American cultural superiority

The weakest argument was the belief that American culture was superior hence they needed to engage in an imperial pursuit to “civilize” other cultures. The belief that the American way was the best was flawed thinking that was deeply rooted in white supremacy. The facets of this cultural superiority were religion, language, and civilization in the sight of the Americans. They believed that their language was the best, their religion, “protestant Christianity”, was the best, and that their values would civilize other inferior regions of the world. This was another major reason for the need for an imperial expansion in America. The logic behind it was deeply rooted in social Darwinism and white supremacy. No culture should express the superiority of the other. Every culture practiced in the world suits the societies that practice. No single group of people should profess the monopoly of culture and seek to impose its culture on other people.