Imperialism: Debates

Imperialism: Debates - APUSH Study Guide

Ahoy history aficionados! Time to hop aboard the USS History and cruise through the turbulent waters of early 20th-century American imperialism. This period wasn't just about Uncle Sam wearing a top hat and twirling his mustache, it was a complex dance of power, economics, and yes, a smidge of world domination. 🌐🛳️

For starters, let's get to know the folks who were all for imperialism—those who thought America should be the guest that never leaves the global party. These pro-imperialists had a shopping list of reasons why the US should flex its muscles overseas:

First, they eyed economic opportunities like a kid in a candy store. Islands such as Cuba, Hawaii, and the Philippines were jackpot locations for naval bases and growing tropical goodies like sugar and pineapples. Plus, these spots were primo pit stops for steamships en route to China—a market with more consumers than you can shake a chopstick at! 🍍🍚

Second, proponents of imperialism believed America had a divine errand to civilize those they deemed less fortunate. Cue Social Darwinism, which argued that Anglo-Saxons (a.k.a. white Northern Europeans who were Protestant and democratic) were the top-tier humans. According to this quirky (and very problematic) belief, these super-whites had a moral duty to displace the "inferior" peoples like the Spaniards in the Philippines. It's basically Manifest Destiny 2.0: International Edition. 🌍

Third, they didn't want Europe having all the fun! Pro-imperialists felt that America needed to keep up with Europe's second wave of imperialism, or risk playing second fiddle on the world stage. It was like a global game of "Keeping Up with the Joneses," except the Joneses wanted to colonize places. 🏰

Lastly, with no more room to expand westward, the Frontier Thesis folks fretted that America needed new horizons to explore. By 1890, the frontier was officially no more, and so, imperialists sought new frontiers across the oceans. It’s like realizing there’s no more space on your home turf and deciding to claim the neighbor’s yard for your epic treehouse. 🌲

On the flip side, we have the anti-imperialists, the people who thought expanding the empire was as bad an idea as pineapple on pizza. These folks included heavy-hitters like industrial magnate Andrew Carnegie and witty writer Mark Twain. They weren't about to let America run roughshod over smaller nations without putting up a fight (at least, a rhetorical one). 🍍🍕✍️

First, anti-imperialists saw the whole thing as big-time hypocritical. How could a country that fought for its independence turn around and subjugate others? They were all like, "Hello, remember 1776?" They especially bristled at the idea of annexing the Philippines, arguing that true freedom meant respecting others' right to self-determination—a democratic principle right out of John Locke's playbook. 🔒⚖️

Second, racism played a weird part here too, but in a less flattering way. Some anti-imperialists didn’t want new territories because they didn’t want non-white people becoming part of the US, believing these individuals couldn’t assimilate. Others thought these new peoples couldn’t embody US ideals, effectively saying, "Sorry, no new members in this clubhouse." 🏴‍☠️

Lastly, the anti-imperialists dug deep into America's history of isolationism. They argued that the US should mind its own beeswax and not get tangled up in international squabbles. They envisioned a self-sufficient America focused on its own yard, not trying to trim everyone else’s hedges. Plus, they worried that far-flung colonies would stretch our military defenses thin, making us vulnerable. 🛡️🏡

• American Annexation of the Philippines: The US took control of the Philippines after defeating Spain in the 1898 Spanish-American War. It's like winning a bet and getting a remote island as your prize.
• American Empire Building: The strategy of stretching US influence globally through diplomacy, war, and economic tactics. Basically, trying to be the world’s biggest influencer without Instagram.
• Andrew Carnegie: A Scottish-American industrialist famous for his steel empire and philanthropy. He penned "The Gospel of Wealth," arguing that the rich should use their wealth to benefit society. No pressure, Elon Musk.
• Anglo-Saxons: Germanic tribes that dominated England until the Norman Conquest in 1066. Imagine them as the historical equivalent of early adopters of a new app.
• Anti-Imperialist League: Founded in 1898 to oppose the US annexation of the Philippines. Think of it as the original "Not in My Backyard" movement, but for countries.
• Anti-Imperialists: Individuals or groups who opposed the extension of US power over other nations, often viewing such actions as hypocritical or unnecessary.
• Cuba: An island south of Florida. It gained US attention for its sugar potential and strategic significance after the US helped it gain independence from Spain.
• Hawaii: A Pacific archipelago that the US annexed in 1898. First pineapples, then statehood in 1959. Aloha!
• John Locke: A philosopher advocating natural rights and self-governance. He’s basically the Yoda of Enlightenment thinkers.
• Mark Twain: Writer and humorist known for his social critique. You might know him as the guy who coined the term "Gilded Age."
• Philippines: A Southeast Asian country that went from Spanish colony to US territory post-1898. Over 7,000 islands. Think of them as the archipelago of your dreams.
• Pro-Imperialists: Advocates for American expansion overseas for economic, cultural, and strategic benefits. Imagine them as the over-enthusiastic team captains of "Team Expansion."
• Social Darwinism: Applying "survival of the fittest" to human societies, often to justify inequalities. Charles Darwin probably did a double-take when he heard about this.
• Spanish: Refers to the European nation’s historical exploration and colonial exploits. You might know them from such episodes as "Conquering Central and South America."
• Washington Administration: Refers to President George Washington’s time in office, laying down a ton of presidential norms, including advice against foreign entanglements. Think of him as America's first and most reluctant influencer.

Did you know Mark Twain was vehemently anti-imperialist? Yep, the guy who wrote "Huckleberry Finn" also penned some scathing critiques about America's imperial aspirations. Talk about a writer with a mission! 📚✍️

So there you have it! The debate over American imperialism was as hot as a jalapeno in a skillet. On one side, you had folks itching to spread American influence around the globe, while on the other, critics warned of the moral and practical pitfalls of such ambitions. Now, as you navigate your AP US History course, remember to ponder not just what happened, but why it mattered then and why it still echoes today. 🔔🏛️