The Anti-Imperialist League was formed in the United States in 1898 in opposition to American imperialism, particularly in relation to the U.S. annexation of territories following the Spanish-American War, such as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The League's stance can be best summarized by the following points:
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Opposition to Colonialism: The League believed that imperialism, or acquiring colonies and governing them without consent, was morally wrong and violated the principles of democracy and self-determination. They argued that the U.S. should not govern people without their consent.
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Economic Concerns: Members feared that imperialism could lead to entanglements in foreign affairs that might harm the U.S. economy. They worried about the costs associated with maintaining an empire and military presence overseas.
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Racial and Cultural Arguments: Some members expressed concerns about the racial and cultural implications of imperialism, arguing that it would bring different cultures and races into the U.S. and that these peoples were unfit for self-government.
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Constitutional Arguments: The League argued that imperialism violated the U.S. Constitution, which they believed should only be applied to the American territories and citizens. They asserted that it was inconsistent with American values and principles.
Overall, the Anti-Imperialist League positions were rooted in a commitment to democracy, self-determination, and a belief in the principles of the U.S. as a republic, opposing the nation’s expansionist policies at the turn of the 20th century.