By Nicole Smith
Imperialism was the most powerful force in our world history that has helped mold continents while dominating foreign people and destroying entire civilizations. Imperialism was a result of many contributing factors such as colonial rule, dollar diplomacy, specific wars and uprisings, and yellow journalism. These factors combined were all vital roles in creating America into the world’s most powerful nation.
“America’s rise to world power occurred in the fifty-year period between the 1870-1920. The Spanish-American War may be seen as the “point of no return,” the foreign policy event that conclusively committed us to imperial strength and a global presence. Our expansion overseas was fueled by desires: economic markets, raw materials, coaling stations and military bases. But underlying our expansionist policies was a philosophy of ethnocentrism, racism and a duty based on a perception of national superiority. The roots of this thinking have never fully been eliminated from the national consciousness. That is why vigilance against policies rooted in bias and prejudice can never be relaxed.” (http://www.spanamwar.com/imperialism.htm)
“American factories are making more than the American people can use; American soil is producing more than they can consume. Fate has written our policy for us; the trade of the world must and shall be ours…. We will establish trading posts throughout the world as distributing posts for American products. We will cover the ocean with our merchant marine. We will build a navy to the measure of our greatness. Great colonies, governing themselves, flying our flag and trading with us, will grow about our posts of trade…And American law, American order, American civilization, and the American flag will plant themselves on shores hitherto bloody and benighted…” (quote by: Senator Albert Brevedige, 1889).
References:
http://www.notable-quotes.com/i/imperialism_quotes.html
http://www.spanamwar.com/imperialism.htm
http://www.prairiepride.org/teachertools/staffpdf/foreign%20policy%20documents.pdf
