American imperialism can be simply put as the military, cultural and economic influence by the United States of America on other countries. Imperialism can also be termed as the expansion of a certain country into foreign territories through military conquest. The first American Imperialism was in the year 1890 when the American started to practice what they termed as imperialistic policies of the Europe (Janssens 23). Before 1890, United States was against these practices condemning Europe of these practices and fighting against them in wars.
In 1896, America was seen to take over Hawaii. This was sparked by the sugar planters as they wanted more land to plant their sugarcane and market. The United States is also seen to be pushing for ‘Open Door’ policy in China during this period. This open door policy stated that all major world powers of the time, 1899, had equal powers to trade in China (Janssens 87). At the period, China was known for its large population hence there was a potentially large market in existence. Imperialism in the United States is seen to have been influenced by mainly the social, political, economic and religious factors. At the same period, it can be noticed that America was against Imperialism as it helped Cuba to defeat the Spain forces that had come to colonize it. It can be seen that during this period, United States was experiencing a conflict in ideologies as it was against and for imperialism in one way or another.
In 1914 after two years of war, America took over the Philippines hence expanding its territory further increasing its trade and superiority among the European nations. Later on, Roosevelt Corollary in the Monroe Doctrine increased the American influence south of America through assimilation and treaties. This as a resulted expanded the territory of America resulting in increased trade and revenues to the country.
As it can be seen, The United States Imperialism resulted in globalization all round the world. As the Europeans had ulterior motives when taking colonies, the Americans increased the economic development of these territories and opened them up for trade (Wait 104). This resulted in the modern globalization as there was opening of borders. This can be seen in the American invasion of China where it opened up its borders to the rest of the world to enable trade to take place.
American Imperialism was as a result of continued imperialism by the Europeans. In order to increase its economy and trade as well, America had to stop the rate at which Europe was colonizing other states. In order to do this, it had no option but to apply the Imperialism principle it was against so as to maintain the balance of power in the world. For this reason, it helps the Cuban troops to defeat the Spanish in 1898 and signed a treaty where American would be the protectorate of Cuba but Cuba will allow it to carry out trade freely in the country.
United States Imperialism had its advantages and disadvantages with relation to the world and America itself. Focusing on the importance it can be seen that is has led to the development of most of its industries and the economy of the country as whole through the search of market and cheap raw materials. This has also resulted in the nearby countries benefiting through the introduction of policies that have helped increase their trade hence good balance of payments through globalization.
Works Cited
Janssens, Ruud. Of Mice and Men: American Imperialism and American Studies. Amsterdam: Vossiuspers UvA, 2004. Print.
Wait, Eugene M. Imperialism. New York: Nova History Publications, 2003. Print.
