History and the United States - Essay Example

History and the United s Imperialism Imperialism refers to a situation in which one country dominates the economic, political and cultural practices of a different country or the entire region. It was in the late 1800 when American imperialism started and was witnessed through to the end of the Second World War. A decision was made that condition all countries not to have colonies. While United States of America grew both in geographical size and in population, people thought that US should widen its scope from Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Imperialism led to acquisition of some colonies for example the Philippines by United States immediately when the Second World War ended. American took most of the Spanish colonies including Cuba with the aim of establishing a favorable place to invest the capital. United States succeeded for the first time in Manila, Philippines and not in Cuba. U.S. used this as a claim that they were assisting Cuba gain its independence, as well as, acquire territory from Spain. The battle lasted a few months where Spain gave in to the conditions that were set by the United States of America. Filipinos were in dire need of independence during that period; they ended up in war with the United States that continued to the early 1900. The United States of America thought that it was their mandate to and right to rule over the people of Philippines. The reason for the notion by the United States was to pass civilization to Filipinos, but mainly for economic advancement. Their brought about a thought “white man’s burden”; it was aimed at assisting the citizens of Philippines attain the same living standards and civilization, which the Americans have been benefiting from. It was a forced idea because it did not matter whether they were interested with it or not. During America’s first endeavor to acquire colonies; it lost a lot of money, wasted time and military force. However, United States was determined to maintain Philippines as its colony because during the period it reigned over it, their trade links with Europe strengthened. Moreover, United States was able to trade with Asian countries across the Pacific; it came about because they had full control over Guam and Philippines. America’s economy advanced because it traded with China whose population was greater than that of Europe and United States when combined. It was an achievement for the United States because their products and investments were accessible by larger groups of people. America’s colonies provided the opportunity for trade; United States ended up controlling the entire Asian territory. Imperialism was experienced during this time when the United States wanted to advance their economic power, although naturally. United States became an imperial power, which was enhanced by its economic gain, wealth and fortune. The war between America and Spain gave a favorable opportunity to the United States to take control over several lands: Carolina, Marshall and Mariania (Guam) islands and Puerto Rico. This war resulted into a stronger United States empire and the collapse of Spanish empire. America gained a political power as a result of imperialism because it was the only country with authority and power over its colonies. The military power was wasted because most of them were killed; a lot of resources were destroyed, which weakened the economic power of the state. New cultural practices were introduced to United States because while they were trading with Asians, Filipinos and the Spanish, they acquired new ways of doing things. In response to Imperialism, most of the countries they were under U.S. target entered into war because they were determined to rescue their country from colonial rule. Cuba, Spain and Asian fought with United States. World War II and Cold war World War II was experienced by many countries globally that took place between 1939 and 1945. Germany is being blamed for the establishment of the war, which resulted from its invasion into Poland. Other countries involved are: America, Italy, Australia and Japan. Germans ended the war some months earlier than the Japanese; sophisticated weapons and nuclear atoms were used during the war. Cold war sparked in 1945 and was between United States of America and the Soviet Union. The main conflicts resulted from dictatorship, communism, censorship and poop economic power (Byrnes 1). While United States advocated for freedom and democracy, the Soviet Union were against the opinion because they preferred to dictate their citizenship; the media was denied the freedom of expression and reporting of information. Any information that was to be released to the public by media houses had to be screened and censored to the satisfaction of those in power in the Soviet Union. Their inhuman nature and corruption is what they did not want to be revealed to the public. United States did not initially enter into the war but supported other countries like the Vietnam fight against their enemies; they supplied them with war materials. America did not like the way communism was depriving human beings of their rights. On the other hand, the Second World War began when the entire world was in a state of Great Depression. United States was determined to protect its harbor from invasion by the Japanese who were well armed. Japanese wanted to expand its territory into United States though the harbor by killing the U.S. navy that were protecting the boundary. The similarity between the Second World War and the Cold war is that United States fought because of self gain and the need for supremacy, as well as, to maintain their identity as a super power nation. Social discrimination against gender, race and culture were experienced. The blacks in the United States were taken to fight against the enemies that led to death of most of them (Byrnes 1). The black race was considered inferior; this notion resulted into the formation of movements to advocate for their rights and freedom that was witnessed through forums held in Massachusetts. The Spanish Americans were laid off from their jobs and the whites given the priority resulting into many people living in scanty houses. The economic power of the United States weakened during the Second World War and the cold war because most of the resources were directed to support the war. Sophisticated weapons were manufactured where a lot of labor and capital was injected to the project leaving the country economically weaker. The trade ties between U.S. and Japan weakened because they were involved in attacks. Companies were closed down, financial interest rates rose and people lost their jobs; slums were created as a result. Many people chose to control births while others delayed leading to smaller population in United States of America. Political misunderstanding emerged among the leaders of United States and those of the Soviet Union because of their constant rivalry. Each leader wanted to have his view considered when negotiations were conducted. Countries for instance Germany were disintegrated into regions and zones. Women were sexually harassed during the wars; they were raped. Racism increased among the Soviet Union states while in United States, the blacks were considered important in their society because they assisted U.S. win the battle. Ethical values were breached during the wars because massive destruction was carried out as a result of the nuclear weapons that were employed (Byrnes 1). Environmental degradation was very significant. Economic events For many years, United States has been the superpower country; it has enjoyed the favors from other nations. It has undergone many challenges economically for several years, which impacted negatively on its living standards, politics and cultural practices. Several historical periods are associated with United States economic establishment and challenges. The Gilded era took place between 1860s and 1900 after the civil war. It is referred to as era of reconstruction from the damage experienced from the war; the country lost a lot in terms military, money and power. It is out of this era that United States of America gained the power of supremacy because its economic growth. It was the age of technological and industrial development. Many multinational companies were established leading to the initiation of more trade links. Electronic materials were innovated for example the telephone and electric motors. The population of some states grew; some people moved from other countries to United States because living standards had improved. Political improvement was witnessed because unions and parties were formed for instance labor unions. Movements were established which assisted women from the long term suffering they had undergone. The roaring 1920s is perceived as the America’s era of advancement and buoyancy. During this period many Americans lived in the towns and cities as opposed to farms. Commercialization and urbanization was experienced. Advertisement, promotions and marketing of industrial products was enhanced across the states. Product distribution was strengthened to ensure that all people accessed them. A lot took place during this period, cultural conflicts, crimes, and fashion establishment. The stock market crash in 1929 is also associated with this era. The Great Depression resulted into a global economic crisis. The 1929 stock market crash is considered the major contributing factor to the financial crisis in the United States (Bartlett 1). Economic collapse was the result of the crisis; many financial institutions failed because many loan borrowers could not repay their debt because the interest rates were so high. Jobs were lost because employers could not meet the labor demands and the operational cost. Due to high unemployment rates, many people decided to look for homes in cheaper places; most of them sheltered under scanty materials. Public health issues increased because of the poor hygiene and sanitation. Criminal rates rose because people used all means possible to better their lives through kidnapping and stealing. Political instability was witnessed because poor governance was also associated with the crisis. The war forced the country direct most of its resources to support the military forgetting the other sectors. After the several years of economic crisis and Second World War; United States rose again. The huge spending on the military reduced; therefore, the resources were directed towards restoration of the country’s economy. The companies and organizations that had collapsed reestablished; employment opportunities were created and educational, as well as, health issues were improved. Freedom and racial discrimination was prohibited; blacks and the Mexicans were treated like the white because they were accorded equal respect (Bartlett 1). People were able to access better housing. Democracy was promoted; everyone was able to excise their rights. More political parties introduced and leadership skills were upheld. U.S. gained its fame and respect as the super power country. U.S. is a capitalist state; there are many investors and entrepreneurs where if they fail to agree on economic and financial issues, the country can easily enter into a state of recession. The 1970s economic crisis ushered in a lot of challenges; inflation and unemployment rates increased. The unions that had been formed had its ties weakening. The political sector did not have any role to play. Reaganomics is an economic policies idea which was established by President Ronald Reagan. His thought was to cut down on taxes, minimize government expenditure, minimize regulation and ensure inflation is avoided by regulating money supply. The economy of the country improved because a lot of expenses were cut down. The ordinary citizens were able to meet the tax rates; therefore, improving the revenue levels. Political structure was strengthened; corruption levels reduced. Works cited Bartlett, Bruce. The Great Depression, The New York Times, 2011. From : < http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/g/great_depression_1930s/index.html > Web. May 2012. Byrnes, Rebecca. Cold War Origins: Impacts of WWII. 2008. From :< http://rebecca-byrnes.suite101.com/wwii-impact-on-cold-war-a62274 >Web. May, 2012 Read More