American Imperialism

Imperialism is defined as extending one countries ideals and values over

another nation. A strong advocator of imperialism was Teddy Roosevelt.
Imperialism greatly benefited the United States in the early 1900’s. Imperialism
acted upon less developed countries in order to make them successful and able to
thrive. Imperialism morally benefited both countries’ in that free trade became
possible, America gained land, and economic development occurred.

Free trade is trade between nations or countries without a protective tariff.

When annexing a country it becomes possible to have this. America has
importation laws that state there is a fee that must be paid while sending
something into America. If a country can develop into part of the United States
then it is possible to override those tariffs. The sugar industry was overwhelming
in Hawaii, but because of the import tariff, large fees had to be paid in order to
ship it. When the annexation of Hawaii occurred, it was evident that both
countries would benefit from Hawaii’s natural resources. America could now
greatly benefit from the resource that once seemed inaccessible. Hawaii’s main
exporter, Samuel Dole made millions of dollars when the tariff was waived
because of the annexation. Combining the nations was an intelligent and
beneficiary action taken by President McKinley.

Expansion is a major part of America’s history. People always wanted to

discover new land or expand on what they already had. Annexation of nations
helped to add to that expansion in which people strived for. Having more land
meant having more room for immigrants, or for new opportunities. Businesses
being able to expand meant more profit and income for the business owner. Also a
major benefit of annexation was the Panama Canal. This giant canal made it
possible for ships to sail through the country, instead of having to go all the way
around Latin America. It quickened jobs and tasks that needed to be completed in
Latin America. The United States made canal benefited many countries if not all,
for it made a speedy process of transportation.

Economic Development of Latin American Countries was limited. Annexation

of countries made it possible for America to instate ideas of democracy. America
advocates for freedom in many aspects. Granting independence and freedom
would cure domestic unrest. Domestic unrest causes a lack in growth for a
country. Helping poorer countries develop economically would in turn benefit the
United States. It gave America more territory to instill democratic views and
values. America was prospering, which with the annexation of a nation would
cause them to receive that money back in some other form. It became a situation
in which both countries would benefit.

Overall annexation and imperialism cannot be seen as morally wrong, but

morally sound. It stopped tension within countries by promoting freedom and
independence. With America gaining land and free trade between once foreign
nations countries were coming out with more benefits than drawbacks. Countries
in the early 1900’s needed guidance and support from larger more developed
nations, which is exactly what America helped to do.