Theodore Roosevelt: -Hi there, Theodore Roosevelt speaking! Imperialism is a nation’s policy of extending its power and dominion, especially by conquering territories. I support American imperialism because it leads to the establishment of "a stable and orderly government" in newly acquired territories, ensuring "the growth of the area in which peace is normal throughout the world," and because the legacy of expanding powers leaves "heirs and a glorious memory" that positively shapes future civilizations.

Question

Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis proposes that "from the conditions of frontier life came intellectual traits of profound importance," which have shaped the American intellect with characteristics such as "masterful grasp of material things" and "restless, nervous energy." He argues that the closing of the frontier marks the end of a significant period in American history, as "the frontier has gone, and with its going has closed the first period of American history."

Andrew Carnegie: -Hello everyone! Andrew Carnegie speaking. Anti-imperialists believe that "all men, of whatever race or color, are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," and they neglect the fact that "might make right," rooting that "a self-governing state cannot accept sovereignty over an unwilling people." They argue that the "subjugation of any people is “criminal aggression” and that it is essential to "rescue" American principles from those who betray them.
Isolationism in U.S. foreign policy is rooted in a respect for the principles of liberty and self-determination, believing that “she will not consent to be the ruler over vassal States or subject peoples.” Concerns over the "paternalistic" nature of U.S. actions, particularly in the tendency to impose dominion on "aliens in birth, of strange language, of different religions," highlight the danger of undermining American ideals and fostering a relationship based on control rather than mutual respect.

Theodore Roosevelt: -Now, there Mr.Carnegie, let's not talk about respect when you treat workers harshly during the homestead strike. Back on topic now, The perceived benefits of spreading Christianity, democracy, and capitalism to indigenous peoples were rooted in the belief that expansion would promote peace and civilizational progress. Religious leaders like Lyman Abbott, viewed events like the Spanish-American War as "God’s will," suggesting a divine endorsement of American intervention in foreign lands. This ideology showed that "every expansion of civilization makes for peace," arguing that American expansion would push stability and order, particularly in regions perceived as underdeveloped or savage. The narrative of American exceptionalism framed expansion as a moral duty, the civilized nations believed that their imperial pursuits would be a gift of "law, order, and righteousness" to those in need.

Andrew Carnegie: -Hey, keep this professional Mr.Roosevelt. American imperialism had a profoundly negative impact on indigenous populations, fundamentally contradicting the principles of liberty and self-governance that the nation embraced. The "Anti-Imperialist Platform" vehemently denounces the "criminal aggression" against the Filipinos, highlighting their suffering as a "needless horror" resulting from America's pursuit of empire. Historian George F. Hoar, in his speech, lamented the potential abandonment of core American values, warning that governing "great masses of people, aliens in birth, of strange language, of different religions" could lead to a loss of the American spirit, ultimately harming both the nation and its victims. Such subjugation serves as a betrayal of those foundational ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Theodore Roosevelt: Expansion played a crucial role in shaping the military and economic landscape of the United States, as highlighted by Frederick Jackson Turner’s exploration of the frontier. He asserts that the frontier fostered "coarseness and strength combined with acuteness and inquisitiveness," traits that enhanced American resilience and creativty, essential during times of conflict. This boundless quest for new opportunities has historically driven the "restless, nervous energy" of Americans, further cementing their capacity to navigate both military engagements and economic expansion, the closing of the frontier marked the end of an era that had significantly influenced both American identity and its assertive role on the global stage.

Andrew Carnegie: Understandable Teddy, but we all know how much damaged was caused as well, Expansion had significant military and economic repercussions for the United States. The militarization efforts during World War I increased the reliance on military pay outs, ultimately straining the economy, as "Britain had already blockaded Germany...to prevent Germany and its allies from receiving imports." This led to escalated tensions, exemplified by the attack on the RMS Lusitania, which "shocked the world" and put immense pressure on President Wilson to reconsider the U.S. position. Furthermore, the need to support international alliances created a commitment to foreign conflicts that diverted resources from domestic issues, illustrating how expansion can hinder both military preparedness and economic stability at home.

Theodore Roosevelt: I see your point you are making here. Although In the spirit of American exceptionalism and the traits forged through our frontier history, we must embrace imperialism as a means of spreading peace and order across the globe, transforming chaos into civilization. By taking up the mantle of responsibility in territories like the Philippines, we not only fulfill our duty to uphold national honor but also ensure that our legacy is one of strength, opportunity, and progress for future generations.

Andrew Carnegie: Many great points have been made by you today Teddy, and on a final note i believe American imperialism fundamentally contradicts the principles of liberty and self-governance that our nation was built upon, as the subjugation of any people through force is intrinsically a betrayal of our democratic ideals. The rightful path is to grant independence to the Filipinos, reaffirming our commitment to uphold the values of the Declaration of Independence and cleanse our nation of the shame associated with imperialistic aggression.

Lessons i used
Unit 10 leson 5,6,1,3
I also used all lesson contents
make this sound more like a debate

Answer 1

The Debate on American Imperialism: Theodore Roosevelt vs. Andrew Carnegie

Theodore Roosevelt:
Greetings! Theodore Roosevelt here. Let’s lay the foundation of our discussion. Imperialism, fundamentally, is a nation’s policy of expanding its power, especially through the conquest of new territories. I firmly support American imperialism, as it paves the way to establish stable and orderly governments in newly acquired regions. This not only promotes peace worldwide but also crafts a legacy of expansion that enriches future civilizations. Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis illustrates that our past in the frontier cultivated unique American traits, marking the closing of this frontier as a significant historical turning point. Without a doubt, expansion defines our nation’s journey!

Andrew Carnegie:
Good day, Mr. Roosevelt! This is Andrew Carnegie in opposition to your claims. Anti-imperialists maintain that every individual, irrespective of race or color, is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You might overlook the fact that "might makes right," yet the notion that a self-governing state can validly impose sovereignty over unwilling peoples is deeply flawed. The subjugation of any population is not merely an error; it’s “criminal aggression.” We must rescue American principles from those who betray them! Isolationism aligns with our respect for liberty and self-determination; we should never wish to rule over vassal states or subject peoples!

Theodore Roosevelt:
Mr. Carnegie, while I respect your position, I must remind you of your past neglect of workers' rights during events like the Homestead Strike. Let’s refocus: the benefits of spreading Christianity, democracy, and capitalism to those we perceive as underdeveloped have their roots in a desire for global stability and civilizational progress. Leaders like Lyman Abbott suggested that our involvement in conflicts, such as the Spanish-American War, represented a divine endorsement for American expansion. Our narrative is one of exceptionalism; each civilization we touch is rendered more peaceful and orderly. It is our moral duty to uplift and civilize those in need!

Andrew Carnegie:
Interesting points, Teddy, but let's remain professional. American imperialism has inflicted severe harm upon indigenous populations, fundamentally contradicting the liberties and self-governance we espouse. The “Anti-Imperialist Platform” vehemently criticizes our aggression towards peoples like the Filipinos, exposing their suffering as a “needless horror.” Historian George F. Hoar cautioned against abandoning our foundational values, warning that governing over alien peoples threatens the American spirit. This conduct is an outright betrayal of our ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution!

Theodore Roosevelt:
I hear your concerns, Andrew, but let’s recognize the essential role of expansion in shaping America’s military and economic landscape. Turner noted that life on the frontier endowed Americans with resilience and creativity—traits critical for overcoming conflict! The quest for new opportunities has driven our nation’s greatness and fostered a unique energy, necessary for both military conquests and industrial growth. While the closing of the frontier may signal an end, it also opens pathways for American assertiveness on the global stage!

Andrew Carnegie:
While I appreciate your perspective, Teddy, the repercussions of expansion can't be ignored. The militarization during World War I, for instance, strained our economy significantly. The blockade of Germany led to increased tensions, culminating in tragedies such as the loss of the RMS Lusitania. We cannot deny that international commitments diverted resources from domestic welfare. Expansion hinders both military preparedness and economic stability at home; it cultivates a troublesome reliance on foreign affairs that is counterproductive to our ideals!

Theodore Roosevelt:
You raise valid points, Andrew, but in the spirit of American exceptionalism, we must view imperialism as a vehicle for spreading peace and order across the globe. When taking responsibility in places like the Philippines, we’re not merely fulfilling national honor but also crafting a legacy of strength, opportunity, and progress for generations to come!

Andrew Carnegie:
Valid arguments, Teddy, but let's remember our core values. American imperialism represents a profound contradiction to our founding principles. The rightful course is to grant independence to the Filipinos, reaffirming our commitment to the values outlined in the Declaration of Independence. We must cleanse our nation of the shame associated with imperial aggression, allowing liberty and self-determination to take precedence!

In conclusion, this debate underscores a critical juncture in American history, where differing visions of expansion reflect deeper values and understandings of America's role in the world.