Question

Explain the difference between the views of the interventionists and anti-interventionists in American politics in this era. (Imperialists = interventionists)

(Unit 10 lesson 6)

Answer 1

In the context of American politics during the era marked by imperialism, interventionists and anti-interventionists held fundamentally different views regarding the United States' role in international affairs and its approach to foreign policy.

### Interventionists (or Imperialists)

**Views and Beliefs:**
1. **Expansion of Influence:** Interventionists believed in the expansion of American influence and territory, often supporting the acquisition of overseas territories.
2. **Economic Interests:** They argued that imperialist policies could open new markets for American goods and secure resources necessary for economic growth.
3. **Moral Responsibility:** Many interventionists felt a moral obligation to 'civilize' other nations, often justified by a belief in American exceptionalism and the superiority of American democracy and culture.
4. **Military Engagement:** This group typically supported military interventions as a means to defend American interests abroad and promote stability in regions that were strategically important.
5. **Manifest Destiny:** A belief rooted in the idea of Manifest Destiny, the notion that the U.S. was destined to expand its territory and democratic ideals across the globe.

**Historical Examples:**
- The Spanish-American War (1898) and the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
- Support for interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean, such as the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine.

### Anti-Interventionists

**Views and Beliefs:**
1. **Isolationism:** Anti-interventionists advocated for a more isolationist approach to foreign policy, arguing that the U.S. should focus on its domestic affairs rather than involving itself in international conflicts.
2. **Skepticism of Military Power:** They expressed concerns over the costs and consequences of military engagement, fearing entanglement in foreign wars and conflicts.
3. **Preservation of Sovereignty:** This group valued national sovereignty and believed that intervention could lead to undermining both American democracy at home and the autonomy of nations abroad.
4. **Economic Concerns:** Anti-interventionists often pointed to the potential economic costs of wars and interventions, arguing that resources should be used to address domestic issues instead.
5. **Moral Integrity:** They typically believed that intervention could lead to moral compromises and the imposition of American values on other nations against their will.

**Historical Context:**
- Opposition to the U.S. involvement in the Philippines after the Spanish-American War.
- Resistance to the interventionist policies of early 20th century leaders, which led to debates about America's role in World War I.

### Conclusion

The divergence between interventionists and anti-interventionists represented a significant ideological struggle in American politics during the era of imperialism. Interventionists championed expansion and engagement, while anti-interventionists sought to prioritize national sovereignty and domestic concerns. This debate laid the groundwork for discussions on foreign policy that continue to resonate in American political discourse today.