Unit 7: Notes on American Imperialism and Debates

Introduction to Unit 7: American Imperialism

  • Focus on the debates that led to American imperialism.
  • Definition and context of imperialism.

Definition of Imperialism

  • Imperialism: A process where a powerful state extends its authority over a weaker state to exploit its resources.
    • Can take forms like economic control or direct political control.
    • Results in loss of sovereignty and self-determination for the colonized.
  • Historical context:
    • The United States began as an imperial venture under Britain.
    • Early Americans fought against empires, believing in freedom from unjust colonial control.
    • Shift in perspective occurred about a century later, with policymakers embracing imperialism.

Transition from Anti-Imperialism to Imperialism

  • Question of how American attitudes changed from anti-imperialism to supporting an empire.
  • Context of previous American policies emphasizing expansion:
    • Impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction slowed overseas attention.
    • Post-war economic expansion and wealth created a readiness for imperial ambitions.
    • Historical instances of imperial expansion:
    • Displacement of indigenous American groups.
    • Territory loss for Mexicans post-Mexican-American War.
    • Manifest Destiny ideology continuing into the 20th century.

The Imperialist Perspective

  • Two sides in the debate about American imperialism: Imperialists and Anti-Imperialists.

Arguments for American Imperialism

  1. Economic Opportunities:

    • Desire to expand markets for American goods and gain access to raw materials.
    • Economic rationale linked to Secretary of State William Seward’s policies (e.g., purchase of Alaska in 1868):
      • Alaska's purchase initially viewed as folly ("Seward's Folly").
      • Became valuable post-Panic of 1893 as a gateway to Asian markets.

  2. Racial Theories and Social Darwinism:

    • Emergence of social Darwinist thinking that justified imperialism.
    • Charles Darwin’s theories applied socially – wealth as a sign of adaptation to industrial changes.
    • American exceptionalism: belief that the U.S. was superior and had a duty to spread its values.
    • Josiah Strong’s argument for a civilizing mission, linked with Christianity and Western civilization:
      • Civilizing Mission: The perceived obligation to spread American values worldwide.
      • Articulated in Kipling's poem, "The White Man's Burden".

  3. Competition with European Empires:

    • Assumption that global power was determined by empire size.
    • Fear of falling behind major European powers in terms of naval power and imperial reach:
      • Alfred Thayer Mahan's ideas on naval power emphasized its role in national strength.
      • Significant investments in U.S. Navy by the 1890s to improve military capability.

  4. Closing of the Western Frontier:

    • 1890 Census reported the end of the western frontier.
    • Historical significance of the frontier's role in American democracy and identity.
    • Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis:
      • Argued that America must find a new frontier for growth.
      • Suggested overseas expansion as a solution for existential threats to American identity.

The Anti-Imperialist Perspective

  • Formation of the Anti-Imperialist League in 1898 in reaction to annexing the Philippines.

Arguments Against American Imperialism

  1. Violation of Self-Determination:

    • Argued that imperialism conflicts with the principle of self-governance, rooted in America's founding principles (Spirit of 1776).
    • Emphasized that ruling another nation undermines the American belief in consent.

  2. Isolationism:

    • Recall of historical isolationist policies from Washington’s farewell address.
    • Connection to the Monroe Doctrine: a long-standing American approach to foreign relations.

  3. Racial Concerns:

    • Leading anti-imperialists incorporated racial theories into their opposition:
      • Andrew Carnegie’s 1898 essay, Distant Possessions, warned against adding non-white populations through annexation, advocating for Anglo-Saxon racial superiority.

Conclusion

  • Despite opposition, imperialists won the debate.
  • Post-Spanish-American War marked the U.S. as a significant imperial power.
  • Further exploration of American imperialism to continue in subsequent discussions.