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At different points in his 1900 speech to the U.S. Senate, Senator Albert J. Beveridge
made the following statements:
“The Philippines are ours forever, ‘territory belonging to the United States,’ as the
Constitution calls them. And just beyond the Philippines are China’s illimitable
markets. We will not retreat from either.”
“Our largest trade . . . must be with Asia.”
“God has not been preparing the English-speaking . . . peoples for a thousand years.
. . . [to be] the master organizers of the world to establish system where chaos
reigns. . . . He has made us [adept]s in government that we may administer
government among savage[s].”
—U.S. Senator Albert J. Beveridge, January 9, 1900
Identify three examples found in Albert Beveridge’s speech to the U.S. Senate that
supported arguments made by imperialists on why U.S. control of the Philippines was
necessary after the Spanish-American War. Explain why each example supported an
imperialistic point of view.

1 answer

Senator Albert J. Beveridge's speech to the U.S. Senate presents several arguments that align with imperialist ideologies regarding U.S. control of the Philippines. Here are three examples from his speech, along with explanations of how each supports an imperialistic point of view:

  1. "The Philippines are ours forever, ‘territory belonging to the United States,’ as the Constitution calls them."

    • Explanation: This statement underscores the idea that the acquisition of the Philippines was a constitutional and irrevocable right of the United States. By asserting that the Philippines are "ours forever," Beveridge frames U.S. control as not only a legal necessity but also an unassailable mandate. This assertion is a classic imperialist viewpoint that justified territorial expansion and control, asserting American dominance and influence over new territories.

  2. “Our largest trade . . . must be with Asia.”

    • Explanation: Beveridge highlights the economic motivations behind imperialism, claiming that control of the Philippines would facilitate trade with the lucrative markets of Asia, particularly China. This aligns with the imperialist belief that expanding U.S. territory was essential for economic growth and access to new markets. By framing Asia as vital for American trade, he advocates for imperialism as a means to secure economic benefits that, in his view, could support national prosperity.

  3. "God has not been preparing the English-speaking . . . peoples for a thousand years. . . . He has made us [adepts] in government that we may administer government among savage[s]."

    • Explanation: This statement reflects the belief in a civilizing mission commonly held by imperialists, who argued that it was the duty of more "civilized" nations to govern and uplift so-called "savage" peoples. Beveridge's assertion implies a paternalistic attitude, where U.S. control and governance of the Philippines were seen not only as justified but as a moral obligation. This perspective is a key component of imperialist rationale, portraying imperialism as benevolent and necessary for the development of other nations.

Together, these examples illustrate the rationale behind imperialism, integrating legal, economic, and moral arguments to support U.S. dominance over the Philippines following the Spanish-American War.