Latin American Imperialism Research Paper

Words: 846
Pages: 4

Imperialism was a controversial topic from 1890-1917 including arguments over multiple political groups, Roosevelt's and Wilson's decisions, and different battles/wars.

During this time period, imperialism was supported by Theodore Roosevelt and backed up by the Roosevelt Corollary. The Roosevelt Corollary stated that it was the United States’s “right and duty”(Larkin ppt) to intervene, utilize the military to “restore internal stability and keep other imperial powers out” (Larkin ppt), and stated the Latin American Policy. This document was added to the Monroe Doctrine and was to allow intervention for the benefit of other countries. This supports imperialism because the United States could intervene with other countries for benefits. Another
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The United States annexed Hawaii due to its many benefits. Hawaii had sugar, many ports, and resulted in more land and power. In the beginning, the United States passed a treaty in an attempt to annex Hawaii, however, this failed. Eventually, a negotiation was made resulting in a resolution of consent to annex from Hawaii and approval from the United States congress to take over. The United States gained Hawaii because it was “tendered to us by a provisional government” (Grover Cleveland). In this event, the United States used imperialism to take over and intervene with the country. Another prime example of pro-imperialism is the Teller Amendment. This amendment stated that the people of Cuba should have the right to be “free and independent” (Teller and Platt doc). Spain must remove all of its “authority and government in the island of Cuba'' (Teller and Platt doc), the United States has the authority to use the land, naval forces, and militia when needed, and lastly “to leave the government and control of the Island to its …show more content…
This idea was supported by the anti-imperialist League. This was a group that believed “imperialism is hostile to liberty and tends towards militarism”(American Anti Imperialist League source B). They were extremely against the idea of a stronger country taking over a weaker country. This group used speeches to spread their ideas. They saw imperialism as against American ideals and that it brought too many immigrants. Another anti-imperialist event was the Banana Republic. This was anti because all their investments were put into fruit and due to America constantly overthrowing governments this would be considered corrupt. Countries considered Banana Republics were constantly in debt or very poor. Fruit companies became successful, but there was a constant pattern resulting in them going through financial corruption. Banana Republics were described as “poor, violent, unstable”(Larkin ppt). Banana republics also resulted in “dictatorships supporting companies for kickbacks and military support”(Larkin ppt). One more anti-imperialism event was the Philippines War. This supported anti imperialism because it involved very intense violence, killing, and dehumanizing. Multiple massacres occurred and concentration camps were used. This entire war went against the values of democracy. Back in the United States there was an anti-imperialist movement led by Andrew Carnegie and Twain.