The United States Become an Imperial Power - Research Paper Example

Why did the United s become an Imperial power during the late 1800s-early 1900s? The United s of America is one of the major powers of the world for more than two centuries now. It has had its influence on various parts of the world. While the earlier centuries can be attributed to the British colonies, but ever since Great Britain lost control over parts of the world, it has been America’s dominance. The term imperialism is of great importance in the field of politics yet it is defined as the endeavor of a country towards its expansion which is based on military strength or other back door efforts which are backed by the reason of local dissatisfaction, unelected government in place, or other various issues which makes it a ground enough for the invading country to infiltrate and dictate its terms and conditions. It is often termed as the coercive relationship establishment by overthrowing of the existing setup and bringing about the setup that is of less resistance to the occupying forces (Lenin, 93). Imperialism like other forces of social acts, comes with its pros and cons, the element of freeing its citizens from its oppressors is a blessing in disguise, while occupying the land, using its resources to own benefits, violating its sovereignty is the downside of the entire affair. The positive side is the expansion of markets, the businessmen get to invest in new markets, new capitals, and hence more chance of prosperity and economic stability. Over all the imperialism concept comes blended with its positives and negatives. It does not have to be pure and direct means of all out war, many a times, and the pulse is controlled through diplomatic ties, indirect perks and protections. Hence Imperialism is not just the name of military offensive and battle field stories. Its scope is relatively wide, even proxy wars are inside the scope of this phenomenon. The American Mexican war that was fought in mid 19th century (1846) is termed as an example of American imperialism (Eisenhower). The importance of the moves made in middle 19th century and beginning of 20th century was largely capitalized in the War World One and World War Two. All these annexed nations provided strategic grounds against hostile nations. Spanish American war is another glimpse of American Imperialism. Spaniards were easily humbled in this account and this was fought just round the corner of new millennium when the world was entering into 20th century. This was of high significance since it resulted in United States of America over powering Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Spain had to withdraw from this region and America was in good health to look after the neighboring nations and maintain its hegemony in the region. Many a times the democracy and freedom cry are coated in the real motive of strategic advantage seeking. This is done through ousted of some existing outsiders. The Cuban war in the end of century was an example of this kind when the Spaniards were sent out their way and limited to continent Europe. Building the Panama Canal: Panama Canal is another point of significance that had its importance towards the interest of American navy. They through the battle with Spain subdued this region which rightly served the interest of American navy. This was the building bridge towards control in both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Large numbers of marines were sent over for this purpose through the formal approval of the political and administrative heads. Again, this was done to mitigate any danger that the American navy faced by coming from other direction. Seeking its on interest and safety, another step in the name of imperialism, yet it was the order of the day and had to be done to ensure the safety of its personnel. Columbia on this account backed out right at the eleventh hour and the administration of America had to take punitive steps to ensure the accomplishment. Panama which was under the control of Columbians, was supported sufficiently enough by the Americans to create a uproar for their independence and freedom and hence Columbia had to cede to their plea (backed by America) and Panama came into existence through this adventure (Tucker). This can be seen as a step of liberation and freeing the people who felt oppressed under the earlier occupants. Hence Imperialism has given birth to many nations of the surface of earth and led to the prosperity and independence of the people of respective nations and added to their overall progress and sovereignty. America has dominated parts of the world. However this domination comes through military might, educational background, industrial soundness and internal stability. Once these factors are check listed, a country can afford to sneak out and expand its claws in other places. America in the late 18th century and early 19th century followed same pattern and set of on conquest of imperialism. The reasons to its imperialism are multiple. These all might not be justifiable by the rules of book and ethics, yet it has been part of the politics and countries expansions all over the world. America is not the lone runner in this race, many other countries who have over the centuries expanded their grip have adopted different means, out of which some might be contentious ones. The case of Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico and America got engulfed into a war at the brink of twentieth century in 1898 and was another act of Imperialism. The aim has been to maintain control and say over small country which is of geographic importance to America. This was part of the American Spanish War fought (Bowen), which resulted in subduing of Philippines, Cuba itself. Being the super power, or at least one of the most dominant powers of the world, it had to maintain its say and hold a grip on helms of affairs. For this reason it chose to go for imperialism. The quest of imperialism was chased in many ways. At times it came in form of unifying the form of government across the world, at others, had to safeguard its own interests, on others, had to go to zones of the world where staying back was unavoidable (Burnett and Marshall). Many a times it is seen that countries are being run by dictators or unelected representatives who come into power through different means that are not in alignment with the wishes of people. In such cases, many countries, the stronger ones usually have taken steps to eradicate such unwelcoming elements and bring about people’s representatives in place. There is nothing new to this concept and history is full of such events. America has followed the same trait and has on number of occasions barged into regions with bid to enforce and introduce elected form of government in the name of democracy. This is highly characteristic of states across the globe. Hence, America’s one of the aspect of imperialism is its pursuit and insurance of democracy in the incumbent country and region (OBrien). The case for strengthening economy: Another aspect of imperialism is the strengthening of its internal economy. While all is being said to be fair in love and war, country’s pursuit towards becoming super power is no different trend, for this purpose many a times the mightier nations have encroached into regions that are relatively thick and gifted with natural resources. America on many accounts has stepped into regions that offer many things. The gulf region is one of them that has lots of promise to it. The promise comes in form of the crude oil, nature resources, mines, precious stones. The crude oil alone has supported the economy a great deal. While regions of the world are richly enriched and gifted with crude oil, America through its expansion has ensured the price control and under its feet. It has in a way ensured that the resources do not get used against them. On other account it has kept its resources intact for years to come when this resource would be a scarce commodity all over the world. Imperialism is largely used to protect a nation’s interests. Some of these tactics definitely do fall in conflict with the principles of morality but nations do go beyond the rules of clean fighting to protect its interests and the finger cannot be pointed at a particular nation, many have exhibited it to make finger pointing a useless and countless process. The paradigm of imperialism is not just restricted to within the continent and neighboring borders dominance, but other parts of the world as well where potential advantages can be achieved. Hence the entire process of imperialism is not just due to a single factor, it is backed by multi variables and each of them is taken in the supreme interest of the nation and its future beckoning. It is yet another move that takes into account the present and the future of a nation. References: Bowen, Wayne H. Spain and the American Civil War. University of Missouri Press, 2011. Burnett, Christina Duffy and Burke Marshall. Foreign in a Domestic Sense: Puerto Rico, American Expansion, and the Constitution. Duke University Press, 2001. Eisenhower, John S. D. So Far from God: The U.S. War With Mexico, 1846-1848. University of Oklahoma Press, 2000. Lenin, Vladimir Ilʹich. Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism. Resistance Books, 1999. OBrien, Phillips Payson. British and American Naval Power: Politics and Policy, 1900-1936. Greenwood Publishing Group, 1998. Tucker, Spencer. The Encyclopedia of the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars: A Political, Social, and Military History. ABC-CLIO, 2009. Read More