Excerpt from an Anti-imperialist Leaflet Titled “Save the republic,” 1898–99
We cannot retain the Philippines as a permanent possession without violating our fundamental principle. Whatever hold we have on those islands is by “right of conquest.” But Americans do not recognize such a right. Of itself, it is not more than the right by which the highwayman lifts the traveler's purse or the burglar the householder's plate. . . . To stay in the Philippines by right of conquest is not only to become a national highwayman, but it is to adopt a policy that will cast us into the whirlpool of European jealousies and entanglements for an indefinite future. It will necessitate a great naval and military establishment and destroy the best American ideals. The principles for which we have stood will be largely destroyed by adopting any such policy, and the force and attention of the nation would be largely diverted from work on those internal problems and purposes which belong to a peaceful democracy.
Excerpt from the Roosevelt Corollary, 1905
The eternal vigilance which is the price of liberty must be exercised, sometimes to guard against outside foes; although of course far more often to guard against our own selfish or thoughtless shortcomings. . . . It is our duty to remember that a nation has no more right to do injustice to another nation, strong or weak, than an individual has to do injustice to another individual; that the same moral law applies in one case as in the other. But we must also remember that it is as much the duty of the Nation to guard its own rights and its own interests as it is the duty of the individual so to do. . . . It is not true that the United States feels any land hunger or entertains any projects as regards the other nations of the Western Hemisphere save such as are for their welfare. All that this country desires is to see the neighboring countries stable, orderly, and prosperous. Any country whose people conduct themselves well can count upon our hearty friendship.
Use the excerpts from the Anti-imperialist leaflet and Roosevelt’s Corollary to answer the question.
What do the two excerpts suggest about American involvement in and acquisition of foreign lands?
A.
Some Americans felt imperialism stretched the U.S. military too thin while others thought it would help expand the military.
B.
Some Americans believed imperialism undermined domestic security while others hoped it would relieve internal pressures.
C.
Some Americans opposed imperialism as immoral and unlawful while others supported it as vital to national and world interests.
D.
Some Americans considered imperialism to be economically risky while others viewed it as the next natural stage of competition.
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