What were some of the territories the US gained in the late 19th century? in this text

Question

1. The United States has a long history of expanding its influence beyond its borders, a process often referred to as imperialism. This expansion began with the westward movement and the displacement of Native Americans, and continued in the late 19th century with the acquisition of territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, Samoa, and the Philippines. While some argue that this expansion was necessary to protect American interests and advance its economic power, others criticize it as a form of colonialism that denied rights and exploited resources.
2. Proponents of American imperialism argue that it brought benefits to both the United States and the territories it acquired. They point to the economic advantages of expanding trade and access to resources, as well as the spread of American technology, industry, and government policies. Additionally, they argue that the United States provided military protection to these territories. Below is a speech by a US senator named Albert Beveridge on US expansion:
“Hawaii is ours; Puerto Rico is to be ours; at the prayer of the people, Cuba will finally be ours; in the islands of the East, even to the gates of Asia, coaling stations are to be ours; at the very least the flag of a liberal government is to float over the Philippines, and I pray God it may be the banner that Taylor unfurled in Texas and Frémont carried to the coast—the stars and stripes of glory. The march of the flag! . . . Think of the thousands of Americans who will pour into Hawaii and Puerto Rico when the republic’s laws cover those islands with justice and safety! Think of the tens of thousands of Americans who will invade mine and field and forest in the Philippines when a liberal government, protected and controlled by this republic, if not the government of the republic itself, shall establish order and equity there! Think of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who will build a soap-and-water, common-school civilization of energy and industry in Cuba when a government of law replaced the double reign of anarchy and tyranny. “
3. However, critics of American imperialism argue that it came at a high cost to the indigenous populations of these territories. They point to the loss of traditional cultures and identities, as well as the economic and social disadvantages faced by these populations. They also argue that the United States often imposed its own culture and values on these territories, denying them true self-determination.
4. The debate over American imperialism is complex and multifaceted. While some argue that it was a necessary step in the development of the United States as a global power, others argue that it was a form of exploitation that had a devastating impact on the lives of many people. The legacy of American imperialism continues to be debated today, as the United States grapples with its role in the world and the impact of its past actions.

Answer 1

In the late 19th century, the United States acquired several territories as part of its imperialistic expansion. Notable territories gained during this period include:

1. Guam - Acquired in 1898 as a result of the Spanish-American War.
2. Puerto Rico - Also obtained in 1898 following the Spanish-American War.
3. Samoa - The U.S. gained control over parts of the Samoan Islands through a treaty in 1899.
4. The Philippines - Acquired in 1898 after the Spanish-American War, which marked a significant step in America's emergence as a colonial power.

These acquisitions marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy and expanded American influence in both the Caribbean and the Pacific regions.