Imperialism: America In The Nineteenth Century

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The nineteenth century brought on a lot of experimentation in imperialism on America’s part. Starting with the Louisiana Purchase from France, which nearly doubled America’s size, the purchase of Alaska from the Russian Empire, and then eventually the victory over Spain bringing us the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and slight control over Cuba. However, out of all of the additions America received, the winning of the Philippines brought the most bloodshed and difficulties for America. The United States was both shamed and congratulated by its own citizens for the troubles it went through for the Philippines. After a century long of dipping our toes in the water of imperialism, eventually America turned its focus to the Panama Canal and stabilizing southern America, including Mexico and lost interest in having a sense of world power. President William McKinley saw nothing wrong with the control that was being put over Philippines by America. He talks about other European countries, such as …show more content…
Article III states that, “The Government of Cuba consents that the United States may exercise the right to intervene for the preservation of Cuban independence…”. A good point to notice though is that it doesn’t state when intervention would be needed and under who's call. Earlier on in Article I, the US states that Cuba cannot enter any treaties with foreign powers that could hurt the independence of Cuba. America does not care for the well-being of Cuba until it starts to harm America itself. Article VII clearly supports this, “To maintain the independence of Cuba and to protect the people, the Cuban government will sell or lease to the United States lands necessary for coaling and naval stations…”. So not only have we taken away the rights of Cuban’s to make deals with countries, we have now stated it in writing that we can come and take land with a price from