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.
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5 comments:
Thanks for mentioning Rudyard Kipling in your response! There's a great movie starring Michael Cain and Sean Connery called "The Man Who Would Be King" based on one of Kipling's books that might be related to his view of imperialism. It sort of portrays the British attitude of exploitation in a negative light, but also shows Kipling's nationalist pride.
What about Iraq? The United States has "offered them the opportunity to choose freedom", yet has not demanded any free oil or resources in return. Perhaps this is an example of the altruistic version of imperialsim where the only purpose of the conflict is to "spread freedom around the world".
Many people who were there at the fall of communism noted that among the first things to come across the border were pornography and drugs. Yay for freedom...
Very well written and put together, the only thing that stood out to me was the last portion, "Unfortunantely for America, Africa was a little far for them". Africa as a whole is much closer than the Philippines but im sure proximity had a lot to do with it as european nations are very close to africa as opposed to the Philippines.
very nicely written response spencer :) I remember learning about "white mans burden" last year in ap euro. I like how you included that in your answer. It's proof that last years class was worth something :) but seriously I wouldn't have thought to include that.
i like how you included the parallel with the British and Suez Canal... it helps understand the subject a little more :)
and i agree with roxanne, you use a lot of AP euro references making it useful in a way. i forget most of it
Hey Spencer good job on being one of the first people to write the second assignment! Haha I also liked how you talked about Kipling's "White man's Burden"...it's cool that we both thought of that. But I would say you did a better job of explaining it than me, so congrats!
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