After the Spanish-American War, American opinions on territorial expansion were deeply polarized. One faction, often referred to as the "imperialists," argued that acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines was essential for America's strategic interests and its role as a global power. They believed that expansion would bring economic benefits and spread American values and democracy. Conversely, the "anti-imperialists" contended that acquiring new territories contradicted the fundamental principles of democracy and self-determination, fearing that imperialism would lead to the oppression of other nations and divert attention from domestic issues. This debate highlighted the underlying tensions between a desire for national greatness and the commitment to American ideals.
To locate evidence regarding these differing viewpoints in an American history textbook, you can look for chapters that discuss the Spanish-American War, imperialism, and the era of American expansionism around the turn of the 20th century. Sections on major debates or key figures involved in the anti-imperialist and imperialist movements, such as the writings of Mark Twain and the position of the American Anti-Imperialist League, are also useful for insight into the contrasting opinions.
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