Blog Assignment #2

For the second blog,

Many countries, including the United States sought to gain colonies in the late 1800's and early 1900's. This was mainly achieved with the use of imperialism by one country onto another. There were arguments for and against this practice and in America many used the excuse that they were spreading religion or that the other countries needed help from a stronger country, while others said that, according to the declaration of independence, everyone has the right to self govern. However, the main reason for America to colonize was to show strength.

A strong argument for the practice of imperialism was the thought that it would spread christianity to the countries. This was argued by many and missions were set up during the imperializing process. In fact, the WTCU said it was their. "purpose and aim" to "help forward the coming of Christ into all departments of life" (Freedom 70). The ones who were for this practice were convinced that they were making the difference into the lives of the other countries. Christianity was going to be spread no other way, so, they argued, why not use imperialism to do it?

Still, others who were for the imperialism of lesser countries said it was necessary in order to take care of the country. This was the case in Cuba, when Spain was treating its' colony unfairly and the United States stepped in. The United States was then able to have a colony under control and had the excuse that it was for Cuba's own good. Some would even take this addage to another level. For example, Rudyard Kippling wrote the poem, "The White Man's Burden", which basically said that it was the burden of white people to help other countries since they are not civilized to help themselves.

There were those who argued against imperialism however. They believed that it was unconstitutional to do control another area without consent. This was because, "The right of every people to self-government was one of the main principles of the Declaration of Independence." (Freedom 72-73). Many in the United States felt that, if it wasn't constitutional to do in the home land, then why should it be allowed for the government to do to others. They went further to say, that if Americans would not follow the rules of their own laws when it came to other countries, then it would lead to, "a permanent attitude of arrogance, testiness and defiance toward other nations." (Freedom 75). An attitude of defiance to other nations, especially those with power or powerful connections could be devistating to the United States.

However, the main reason that the United States, along with many other European countries, decided to colonize was that it was a statement of power. Just as was the reason for the British and the French to fight over the Suez Canal in Egypt, the United States wanted to get in on Imperialism to show their power. No country wanted to seem weaker than a counterpart. So when, as in the case of the Europeans, a country began to colonize Africa, so too did the rest of Europe. Unfortunantely for America, Africa was a little far for them, so they stuck to Cuba and the Philliepines. However, this served the same purpose.

Blog Assignment #1

hey my name is spencer kimes and this is my blog. It is getting there i would say. anyway that's me with the hat, my hero chase utley and then the girl that i would desperately like to meet, Lacey Chabert. I play basketball at Granite Bay High where i am entering my junior year. Should be pretty cool. Anyone that knows me probably knows that i love the phillies. i must say they are goin all the way. Not the Mets. So anyway you should come talk to me if you see me in class. I think i'm approachable.

Well I would have to say the best i can do in the historical fact (that is actually pretty interesting) is that at the Start of WW1 every side was so confident that they would win they advertised it as a six month paid vacation to see the world. Turns out, four years later the soldiers realized they were wrong... Oh and Kaiser William I was so confident he actually went on vacation on his yacht for a month at the start of the war giving Austria the O.K. to do whatever with his troops... what a moron.

Well I am looking forward to the actual class because my friend told me that it was way more interesting than European History which i actually enjoyed. For specifics however, i would say the Depression and the World Wars.I'm not really scared of anything, rather a little bit nervous for the essays. English is definately my least favorite subject and you could even venture to say i hate it.

So yep that's me.