imperialism essays

imperialism essays During most of the 19th century, our national policy was isolationism, meaning that we would steer clear of all foreign affairs. The policy was constructed and put into effect due to George Washington's Farewell Address. He stated that since we are a small, young country, we should not get involved in foreign affairs. However, after western expansion out to the pacific coast, in the late 19th century, we began looking overseas. Our country felt that expansion overseas was not only necessary, but demanded in order to have power. At the same time, not everyone agreed towards overseas expansion, and that caused great disagreement within the country. Now we look back, and the question is, was the United States justified in becoming an imperialistic power? I believe the US was. Based on several sources, I think we were justified. In document 1, Alfred Mahan, a Navy Officer and supporter of imperialism, stated why we needed to expand internationally. Before the start of the Spanish American war, Mahan wrote a book called The Interest of America in Sea Power. In it, he states that we must begin to look outward because of the growing production of our country, our location between Asia and Europe demands it, and the public feelings demands it. Mahan was helpful in creating the Great White Fleet. His reasoning's for why we should expand revolved around the Navy. While growing would protect us, like Mahan wanted, it would also help us in other aspects. In Document 6, we see that if we acquire the countries in the pacific, we will be closer to China. China has excellent trading privileges for us. In China, there were spheres of influence, where certain countries had special trading advantages. We also issued the Open Door Policy allowing trade throughout China f or all. Besides having markets and trading, from acquiring these "stepping stones" in the pacific, we will also gain military strength for forces and we'll be able refuel and repair our ...