What were the reasons some people supported US expansion? 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

Supporters of U.S. expansion during the period of American imperialism held several key beliefs that justified their stance:

1. Economic Interests: Advocates argued that expansion would enhance American economic power by providing access to new markets and resources. This included the potential for increased trade and the exploitation of valuable resources from newly acquired territories.

2. Spreading Civilization: Proponents like Senator Albert Beveridge believed in a mission to spread American values, government policies, and culture. They viewed U.S. expansion as a way to bring "civilization" and "order" to regions they perceived as lacking effective governance.

3. Military Protection: Supporters contended that American presence would offer military protection to these territories. They believed that U.S. governance would ensure stability and prevent anarchy or tyranny, thereby creating a safer environment for both American settlers and local populations.

4. Manifest Destiny: The belief in Manifest Destiny—the idea that the United States was destined to expand across the continent and beyond—also fueled imperialist sentiments. Many saw the expansion as a natural extension of American progress and a fulfillment of their national destiny.

5. National Prestige: Expansion was often viewed as a way to enhance the United States’ standing on the global stage. By acquiring new territories, supporters believed the U.S. could assert itself as a powerful and influential nation among world powers.

6. Cultural Superiority: Many supporters held ethnocentric views, believing that American culture and democracy were superior and should be spread to other parts of the world. They often framed imperialism as a benevolent effort to uplift and modernize other societies.

Overall, those in favor of U.S. expansion framed it within contexts of opportunity, duty, and national pride, viewing it as beneficial not only for the United States but also for the territories involved.