American Imperialism in the 19th Century Research Paper

American Imperialism (APA Citation)

American Imperialism in the Late 19th Century

There were two main reasons for American overseas expansion in the late 19th century: economic and nationalistic reasons. As America entered the industrial revolution, it wanted to expand commercially, this meant overseas materials and markets. Alfred T. Mahan explained this concept in his 1890 book The Influence of Sea Power upon History, and argued that modern industrial nations need foreign markets for their goods, and they must have a naval force capable of protecting these markets. As the United States began to industrialize it's navy, it also began to develop a strong sense of nationalism. Beginning with the concept of "Manifest Destiny," where American believed that God had given them the entire continent to settle and civilize; by the late 1800's Americans had developed this concept and expanded it beyond the shores of the Pacific Ocean. But instead of conquering new territory, Americans were introducing liberty and freedom to places around the world. This became the justification for the opening of Japan in the 1850's, the Spanish-American War, the American intervention in China, American intervention in Latin America, and continues to be the justification for American intervention around the world today.

It was Senator Albert J. Beveridge, in his speech "In support of an American Empire," which spelled out a more practical meaning of the American occupation of the Philippines.The Senator stated that "our largest trade must be with Asia… The Philippines give us a base at the door of all the East." (Beveridge) Increased trade with Asia had been an American dream since the early days of the Republic, and had been advanced greatly by the 1852 visit of Commodore Perry to Japan. The opening of Japan ensured supply bases for American ships sailing to that part of the world, also ensuring that the number of ships sailing to that part of the world increased.

But in addition to increased trade, the American people developed the idea that they had an obligation to "civilize" the uncivilized parts of the world. Sen. Beveridge parroted this idea in his speech when he stated that God "has marked the American people as his chosen nation to finally lead in the regeneration of the world. This is the divine mission of America, and it holds for us all the profit, all the glory, all the happiness possible to man." (Beveridge)

After the Spanish-American War, the United States found itself in possession of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Islands. While the island of Cuba mostly was allowed to run it's affairs independently, the United States maintained a legal right to intervene in Cuban affairs, both domestic and foreign, until 1934. ("Platform") In the cases of Puerto Rico and the Philippines, the United.....