American Imperialism Essay Example

In 1890-1920 in America, the American government was using their high power to dominate weaker nations across the country. Additionally, America granted large loans to nations in need of military assistance to limit the threat or use of military power. However, as a land conquered by America, they faced new found military protection, and other benefits that America offered. Although, these conquered nations still unfortunately faced American imperialism due to natural resources, humanitarian, and economic factors.

Initially, America utilized their power by overpowering weaker nations for their natural resources. For instance, a group of American men in the pineapple business overthrew Hawaii's last queen, Liliuokalani. To elaborate, America stole Hawaii's land and its people due to its abundance of natural resources, specifically pineapple. Furthermore, Russia sold Alaska, which initially belonged to the natives, to America for 2 cents per acre at a total of $7.2 million. To explain, America purchased Alaska for its natural resources, taking it from the defenseless natives. This means that America was using their power to target weaker nations to increase their quantity of natural resources.

Moreover, historic acts and policies suggest that America is also guilty of humanitarian imperialism. To illustrate, America aided Cuba in the Spanish- American war, and gained Guan, Philippines, and Puerto rico. This is imperialism because America stripped Spain of most of its remaining territories, which in turn made America larger and more powerful. Also, after publishing the Platt Amendment, which allowed America the right to intervene in Cuba to protect ‘Life, Liberty, and Property’. This means that America dominated countless weaker nations through acts and policies to further their success.

Lastly, America preyed on frail nations for their own economic benefit. For example, America assisted the French in building the Panama canal because they saw its potential. This canal allowed America to travel east to west quickly, making them more powerful by having control over the oceans. To add on, America used a tactic known as ‘Big Stick Diplomacy’ on foreign policies to intimidate weaker nations. The conquered nations had no other choice but to comply with America out of fear for their people. This means that America used their power to threaten and manipulate weaker nations for economic gain.

Thus, historic events suggest that America was, in truth, guilty of imperialism in all its forms. This is shown clearly in the acts and policies of 1890-1920.To sum it up, America used their high power and successes against weaker nations due to natural resources, humanitarian and economic factors.