Essay On American Imperialism

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Imperialism is the act of controlling smaller nations for military, social, economic, and political benefits. Exploitation is the act of harming others for personal benefit. The two of these combined is a history filled with resentment but plenty of positive progress. The exploitation America caused is justifiable due to the benefits imperialization had on America including the imperialised territory. Some may think the main idea of exploitation is the harm, but the part that needs attention is the progress and accomplishments.
Ever since 1890 when imperialization took place, America’s economy has increased its exportation resulting in a better conditioned economy. (US Trade Expansion, 1865-1915, 11/24/15) Hawaii interested America at first because of the sugar plantations it had. Hawaiian sugar had a higher price on it and it made a profit in America. The US advanced on Queen Liliuokalani and annexed Hawaii totaling the US into fifty states. (Hawaii Story, 12/7) The sugar resource benefitted both sides. America’s exports increased and Hawaii’s sugar was a necessary portion to this increase. In order to imperialize Hawaii, America first gradually colonized Hawaii’s territory. When Hawaii nearly went through a recession, the US became Hawaii’s most important consumer for awhile. America had saved Hawaii from a recession that could have harmed them. The Panama Canal is another contribution that resulted from exploitation. Jose Marroquin argues creating the Panama Canal was a violation to the country. (The Rights of Colombia, 12/8) America may have ignored, exploited, and dumped waste on Colombia’s land, but Panama had decided to revolt against Colombia in the first place. America had an unstable relationship with Colombia; This is prime example of how there is a cost to advancement. America had aided Panama in the revolt, and successfully created the Panama Canal after obtaining the assets from Panama. The Panama Canal has saved millions of dollars in trade transportation and has made a simple route 4 times shorter than traveling around South America. (A New Foreign Policy, 12/8) The economical benefits had a price to pay, but it was well worth it in the end. While the economy was improved, the military and government were also an important aspect of imperialism. The capability of a navy was essential to annexing several territories. A powerful navy would protect the land and trade imports/exports. (Imperialism and The U.S, 11/24) Two naval bases were set up in Cuba; Establishing bases outside America would strengthen America’s military.
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Many social advancements inside and outside America’s boundaries took place during imperialization. During the 1920’s and 30’s, Filipinos began immigrating to America. Many students from the Philippines received scholarships and were able to get a quality education. Filipino culture thrived since the migration, providing jobs, educations, and a new life. America had made a firm bond with the culture, especially after fighting together in World War II. Across the globe, America and several other countries decided to practice equal trade within China. There were no disputes, but China was divided between France, Britain, Russia, Japan, and Germany in spheres of influences. (U.S. and China, Japan. 12/4) This way, America practiced civilized trade with foreign parties. The Open Door Policy was civilized, and an example of a benefit from imperialism. Advancements such as the Open Door Policy overlap the exploitation of other

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