When the word imperialism comes to mind several thoughts run through the brain like
superiority, expansion, and conquest. All these are important elements in shaping the
United States and making it a world power. But how exactly did we get to this point? What
all did imperialism encompass? Was imperialism essential? These are critical questions to
understanding the complex issue of imperialism in the United States.
In the 1890s, the United States began to expand its political and economic horizon to other
parts of the world. Americans looked beyond their boundaries into unique cultures and
experiences. The trade industry made United States stand out as a member in foreign
affairs. During this decade United States would become the most important industrial
power in the world. The strongest reason for imperialism was the economic surplus.
America was searching for markets to expand overseas. There was great economic
potential in Hawaii and in the mines of the Philippines. America negotiated control over
both Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and the harbor at Pago in Samoa because it was clear that if
Unites States wanted to become the dominant world power it would have to control the
seas.
American Nationalism was at its peak in 1895 when they signaled to Great Britain that
they were prepared to go to war and to dominate the world. As America grew it was
essential to protect the territories that were overseas. America acquired Alaska, Hawaii,
Guam, and Samoa which greatly expanded the perimeters and national security became a
major concern. For national security, America needed a strong military and navy to
maintain its superiority. The navy was a major catalyst in the growth on the United
States. To see how much United States developed in just a decade we can compare that in
1880, US was ranked 12th in the world for the strongest navy but by the 1900, US was
ranked 3rd and this achievement greatly affected expansion and provided the US with a
strong sense of national security.
Dominating economically and politically were major aspects of the US but there were also
religious reasons to imperialism. Missionaries wanted to convert foreign territories by
convincing them that their faith is better. They wanted to Christianize the colonies that
were conquered to prove their racial and religious superiority.
During this crucial time period, United States had proved through conquest that it was the
emerging world power and that no threat could stop its expansion. Imperialism is what
shaped America as we know it today: a world power.
Sources:
1. Jones, Jacqueline, Peter Wood, Thomas Borstelmann, Elaine May, and
Vicki Ruiz. Created Equal. Brief Third. 2. New Jersey: Prentice
Hall, 2005. 441-443. Print.
2. "American Imperialism." 123HelpMe.com. 20 Oct 2010
<http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=22933>.
