American Imperialism: Attitudes and Debates

American Imperialism: Attitudes and Debates

Overview

  • The central aim is to explain the similarities and differences in attitudes regarding the United States' role in the world during its imperial expansion.

Defining Imperialism

  • Imperialism is the expansion of a country's political, economic, and military influence over other nations.

Early American Expansion

  • The purchase of Alaska in 1867 marked an early foray into imperialist actions.
    • Russia and Great Britain both had claims to the territory.
    • William Seward, the Secretary of State under Lincoln and Johnson, proposed the purchase for 7,200,000.
    • Initially dubbed "Seward's Folly" due to the perception of Alaska as a valueless "polar icebox."
    • The discovery of gold in 1898 vindicated the purchase.
  • Territorial expansion was ingrained in American history throughout the 19th century with westward expansion.
  • Frederick Jackson Turner's lament about the closing of the frontier spurred the consideration of overseas expansion.

The Debate: Imperialists vs. Anti-Imperialists

  • A significant debate emerged between imperialists and anti-imperialists regarding American expansion.

Imperialist Arguments

  • Economic motivations:
    • The discovery of gold in Alaska suggested the potential for valuable raw materials in other territories.
    • Desire to secure new markets for American goods (manufactured and agricultural).
  • Social Darwinism:
    • Utilized the idea that the "strong eat the weak" to justify political and economic dominance.
    • American expansion was seen as a way to assert dominance on the international stage.
  • Geopolitical considerations:
    • European nations had been expanding their empires for centuries.
    • Joining the imperial game was crucial for America to be seen as a first-class nation.
  • Racial motivations:
    • Reverend Josiah Strong's "Our Country" (1895) argued for the superiority of the white Anglo-Saxon race.
    • Claimed it was the Christian duty of the white race to spread Christianity and Western civilization to "dark and backward lands."
  • Naval Power: Influenced by Alfred Thayer Mahan's "The Influence of Sea Power on History" (1890).
    • Mahan argued that a strong navy was essential for international power and securing foreign markets.
    • Congress approved the construction of a large steel fleet.
    • Strategic land acquisitions in the Pacific and Caribbean were necessary to support naval dominance (coaling stations and supply depots).

Anti-Imperialist Arguments

  • Self-determination:
    • Nations should have the right to self-determination.
    • Taking over less powerful countries would rob them of this right, echoing colonial arguments against British rule.
  • Isolationism:
    • Cited George Washington's warning against foreign entanglements.
    • Argued that expansion would lead to involvement in uncontrollable wars and economic disputes.
  • Racial concerns:
    • Raised the question of whether the Constitution should "follow the flag."
    • Debated whether inhabitants of newly acquired territories would become American citizens with full rights.
    • Anti-imperialists were reluctant to grant citizenship and rights to people of color in these territories, revealing underlying racial prejudice.