The U.S., from its very inception having a penchant for land or real estate, subordinated the whole of continental United States by the end of 19th century. It turned towards the sea as its new area of expansion. The nation was now tempted to become the world power and politically dominant. The people perceived their intrusion into foreign territories as their moral obligation to propagate democracy in the entire length and breadth of the world. It came to be referred as neo-imperialism or new imperialism, and the Spanish-American War in the closing years of the 19th century is an example of it. By participating in the "nice little war,", as the U.S. referred it, the U.S. bolstered its image in the international community.
The US also utilized the opportunity to attack and capture the Spanish-controlled Philippines Islands, a strategic naval site, which gave the U.S. an opportunity to have a voice in the Far East. Also, its intervention into Chinese affairs during the Boxer rebellion is another manifestation of its developing imperialistic designs by the end of the 19th century. It was not to be hoodwinked by other nations in having a foothold in China (Novelguide).Thus, it can be argued that the imperialistic designs of the United States government was encompassing to play a commanding role in the world affairs, and extend its political sphere of influence. It was determined to intervene and get into action on the pretext of political stability anywhere in the world to foster strategic benefits
During the period of the 1890s through to 1920, a spirit known as "progressivism" took the center stage. It influenced the outlook of the citizens in general, and businesses and military that carried with them the view point overseas, in particular. The re-election of McKinley in 1900 was considered as the widespread acceptance of his foreign policy. The successful conclusion of the war with Spain, prosperity of the people, the quest to find new markets through the Open Door Policy, and a decisive role played by the U.S. in the World War I were instrumental in the formation of a national attitude towards the world affairs. (Marsella 714-728;'World War I: Entry’)
During the early and middle part of the 19th century, the U.S diplomacy was to forbid the world to reshape America. But in the 20th century, the U.S. diplomacy was designed to grab opportunities to reshape the world. The mood of the country was reflected in its concepts of Progressive Imperialism, Containment, Wilsonianism, and Global Meliorism. These concepts define the U.S. as a Crusader State with the moral obligation to salvage the world ravaged by war, revolution, and political instability. The U.S. considered its moral responsibility to spread democracy all over the world. The colonists widely believed that the U.S. was destined to be different, and better than others. (McDougall; ‘The Vietnam War’).
Isolation had been the watchword of the America, and since the days of George Washington, U.S. aimed to remain protected by mighty oceans as its border. It chose not to meddle in the European conflict and tried to remain neutral. The U.S. had natural ties and historic relations with Britain. However, many in that country considered Austria-Hungary and Germany as their parent countries. Hence, it wavered in taking a side either with the Allies or the Central Powers, and it continued to trade with all countries involved in the warfare. It was believed that a boycott to Germany would cripple the U.S. economy. However, on Great Britain blockading Germany, the trade with France and England tripled during 1914 to 1916 while trade with Germany diminished by 90%. It prompted Germany to wage submarine warfare against the Americans. Thus, America relinquished its policy of isolation and entered the Great War. It proved decisive for the Allied forces, and the war was over by November 1918. (‘America in the First’).The Spanish-American war was the result of a surging mood of the country. America under McKinley bubbling with over confidence wanted to make its presence felt in the world arena, and have a say in the Far East. The yellow journalism also fueled the fire by publishing horrifying stories of Spanish atrocities on Cubans. Though being under prepared militarily, it confronted and subjugated Spain. The result was the Treaty of Paris under which the U.S. got a huge largesse in the form of Philippines, Puerto Rico, and the islands of Guam. It was the expansionist policy of McKinley which led to this war (‘America in the First’; 'World War I: Entry’)
On the other hand, the Vietnam War was the result of the U.S. commitment to contain communism and spread democracy in the world. The U.S. apprehended threat of communist invasion on South Vietnam, and Eisenhower sent military advisers and CIA officers to Vietnam. John F. Kennedy sent American troops to Vietnam, but it was Lyndon Johnson who ordered the first shot to be fired in 1965. Richard Nixon was the President who concluded in 1973 the longest war the U.S. had waged by then. (‘President Lyndon B. Johnson's Address’; 'The Vietnam War’; 'Vietnam War Part 1'). In 1975, the communist forces of the north invaded, captured and unified the nation. Neighboring Laos and Cambodia came under communist dictators. The scars of Vietnam War would not vanish easily for the U.S. (‘America in the First’).
During the era of cold war era, Britain and France yielding to the popular uprisings in their colonies, new third world countries emerged. The world was swiftly having two groups of nations; one led by the U.S. and the second by the Soviet Union. By the recognition of Israel in 1948, the U.S. got a strong ally, but many enemies. The Eisenhower Doctrine that pledged the U.S. support to any country fighting the communist insurgency came into play. Thus, America started pursuing containment policy (America in the First,'; US Involvement in World War I).
During the Cold War, the U.S. also tried successfully in most cases to resist communist expansion. It supported resistant movements and dissidents in communist nations of Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. The U.S. carried numerous covert and overt operations during the period. It helped those for democracy such as to the democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh in Iran in 1953. (Judis; ‘Imperial Amnesia’; 'The Cold War Continues’)
After the Cold War, the U.S. intervention became more rampant. The Gulf War saw Iraqi forces retreating from Kuwait. In the 1990s, Somalia came under U.S. intervention. The U.S. under Bill Clinton undertook several operations to uphold democracy. Many countries including Iraq and Sudan were suspected of possessing chemical weapons, and Iraq, in particular, was attacked and its ruler Saddam Hussein deposed and killed. (‘Imperial Amnesia’; 'The Cold War Continues’).
After the September 2011 attack, the U.S. policy was to wipe out terrorism, and it killed Osama-bin Laden by sending its commandos deep inside the Pakistani territories where he was hiding. In 2011, Libya was attacked, and humiliated by the U.S. under President Obama; its leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed. It sent U.S. forces to fight Taliban, a terrorist outfit, in Afghanistan where it claimed to have contained terrorism, and established a democratic setup. It has been pursuing its hard-line approach towards terrorism vigorously. It also has been carrying out air strikes in Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey to vanquish and demolish Islamic State. This is a dreaded terror outfit, which is extending its influence in these and many other countries. (Imperial Amnesia; Marsella 714-728).
The U.S. being the largest power has to play an important role in the present day world. It needs to remain involved in world affairs, but without being a world's policeman. It should desist from being too involved or over-involved. It must take steps to maintain the balance of power to ensure peace and political stability. Ever since the 9/11 attack, the U.S. has become pro-active and intended to strike on the slightest apprehension. It should take lesion from its adventures in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and should not be over enthusiastic in dealing with the world happenings ('Conversation with Joseph).
On the economic front, it is expected by the U.S. to develop an open international economy as it is more conducive to an equitable world economic order. Also, it needs to provide strong support to the international institutions like the UN, IMF or the likes. Lastly, I see the U.S. as a peacemaker by mediating between the warring factions.
Work Cited
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