American History: Imperialism and Roosevelt

In this paper I will discuss the topics and issues presented in chapter twenty three of America, A Narrative History by Tindall and Shi. Imperialism involves exerting ones societies' beliefs and culture on another. At the turn of the century in America this exemplified racism, seizing territory, promoting economic exploitation and establishing colonies. This was not exactly the most sterling of motives. As more powerful countries exercised imperialism, they forced the downfall of some societies as they forced their will and beliefs upon weaker prey. Imperialism was used for the advancement of military positioning, economic fulfillment and the spreading of religion. Because of these exploitations, imperialism not only changed the lives of the countries that were being exerted upon, it also changed the culture of the exerting country. The underlying motive, veiled as economic development was greed.

What is imperialism? The chapter's main focus is a study of imperialism. A loose interpretation of this is one culture forcing itself on another. This usually has a negative effect on the culture being compromised. A key example of this would be the British's affect on Africa for nothing more than financial gain. They formed cultural elite and essentially destroyed what cultures they found that they could benefit from. Western nations used a social Darwinism argument to justify economic exploitation and territorial conquest. John Fisk stated, "The superior character of Anglo-Saxon peoples and institutions were destined to dominate the globe" (John Fisk) (861, 862). Another example of the belief from the era came from Josiah Strong. He was a minister and believed Anglo-Saxons embodied two great ideals: civil liberty and pure spiritual Christianity. He thought we were "divinely commissioned to be our brother's keeper" (Josiah Strong) (862). Again, an attempt to change a cultures practice because the United States thought they had the only was. Prime examples of this philosophy included Samoa, Hawaii and the Philippines where religious change, economic advancement and military positioning were key components.

The United States, at the turn of the century, used imperialism for financial gain, the spreading of its primary religion and most importantly strategic military placement. America's expansions in the Pacific serve as a good example. In Samoa, the U.S. finagled a treaty to develop a Navy base, exchange trade concessions and provide protection in case of a confrontation with other nations. Hawaii offered a large sugar industry the United States could financially benefit from as well as a centrally located military presence in the Pacific. The United States already had a large missionary contingent there and had formed a 'planters' elite using cheap immigrant labor for its sugar production. By 1887 America had forced the Hawaiian king to accept constitutional government which they dominated. Later in 1891 the king's sister took the throne and tried to oust the whites. This failed. In 1898, Hawaii was annexed. Cuba and Manila as well as the Philippines were the backdrop for the Spanish-American war. This campaign destroyed Spain's world influence. With Roosevelt's influence, the United States was thrust unwillingly onto center stage as a world power.

Some of the effects of imperialism were social change, military presence and financial gain. Social change was radically noticed in Hawaii when a large portion of the indigenous population was wiped out by small pox, most likely brought to the island by the Americans. The natives were largely exploited being used as cheap labor for sugar plantations. Hawaii and the Philippines realized great influence from religious pressure brought by missionary's intent on saving the savages of these islands from their heathen selves. Military presence was established in Panama, Hawaii, Guam and the Philippines. These were all established to ensure the United States position as a world power. Unfortunately, this was done, often at the native's expense. Great financial gains were exacted from Hawaii with exploitation of its sugar production until the sugar of all countries were put on the duty free list nearly bankrupting Hawaii, from Panama by exporting goods by the canal. China became a liability with the Boxer Rebellion ending the U.S. and Europe taking advantage of its resources.

Part of the United States responsibility as a world power was to change the world for the better. As a result of the United States' ambitions, this was not always the case. The country did enjoy financial gain and military expansion in strategically located countries, but not always at the benefit of the occupants. Hawaii, the Philippines and Samoa are examples of this short fall. Religious expansion in these countries was fairly successful and is still largely active today. In short, the United States often appeared as a bully in international affairs and was not welcomed favorably.

Tindall, George, and David Shi. America A Narrative History, Seventh Edition, Volume 2. New York: W. W. Norton, 2006.