Although imperialism has negative associations, it has – on certain occasions – spurred smaller countries into development. After the world wars, America emerged as a world power but American imperialism extended before that.
The presidency of James K Polk was the first time the idea of an American Empire was popularized. Polk is noted for leading the US into the Mexican-American War of 1846 as well as the annexation of California and other western territories by way of the Treat of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Gadsden purchase.
Historian Sidney Lens remarked that “the urge for expansion – at the expense of other peoples – goes back to the beginnings of the United States itself.” Paul Kennedy, a Yale historian, noted “From the time the first settlers arrived in Virginia from England and started moving westward, this was an imperial nation, a conquering nation.”
After the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the idea of American imperialism was re-examined. The invasion was done in order to capture Osama bin Laden, the man accused of the September 11, 2001 attacks. It didn’t result in bin Laden’s capture but on May 2, 2011, he was shot and killed by United States Armed Forces in Pakistan.
To this day, America still has several territories, including Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and Puerto Rico. The US has also allowed many of its overseas territories to gain independence after World War II, and these include the Philippines, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.
Are there any benefits to being an American territory or is it mostly a disadvantage? Let’s take a look at the arguments:
List of Pros of American Imperialism
1. It helps boost the economy.
Superpowers, like America, bring with them modern technologies and introduce these to smaller nations. In addition, they introduce industrialization as well. Both of these – modern technologies and industrialization – pave the way for a much improved economy.
2. It helps with acquiring resources.
Alfred T Mahan served as an officer in the US Navy during the late 19th century and he was a supporter of American imperialism. In his book The Influence of Sea Power upon History which was published in 1890, he detailed in one chapter that modern industrial nations need to secure foreign markets for the purpose of exchanging goods. In addition, he noted that these nations must also maintain a maritime force capable of protecting the trade route.
List of Cons of American Imperialism
1. It can lead to traditions being lost.
Occupying a country usually means inserting bits and pieces of culture. In most cases, inhabitants of the occupied land adapt to the newer culture and traditions and barely practice what they once knew.
2. It can lead to many deaths.
There will be a group of people opposed to being ruled by another. As such, fights would ensue leading to death not just on the party being invaded but on the invaders as well.