American Imperialism?

Question

I was assigned a pretty general topic for a research paper and I'm having problems narrowing down something specific on American Imperialism. I'd like to pick something original not the usual 'liberation' of the Phillipines at the turn of the century, or modern imperialism of American big business. But, I'm having a hard time coming up with a specific topic.

Any suggestions for a topic to write a research paper? I'm interested in all sides of the issue and anything from American history.

You know, my teacher left this topic open so we could express our own views on the subject. He isn't cramming a 'liberal' view down on our necks - he's encouraging us to do research and make our own opinions.

Please, stop slamming a person you haven't even met just because you somehow feel vaguely threatened by this subject.

Answer 1

How about a paper on the myth of modern American business imperialism?

For example: look up an accusation of this and then research out what actually occurred - then contrast what you discovered with historical examples of imperialism.

Answer 2

I got tickled the other day that answered by calling America a horrible country and that America would have forced countries all over the world to buy opium from them if it had not been for the English navy.

Normally a half wit that is two faced doesn't bother me and most saw through the deal, but I had to mention that we sailed into the harbors of Japan and could have made them buy drugs, just like the Philippines and others. What made the whole thing even more funny is that after trying to tell everyone that he knew what horrors would have done a couple of centuries ago the the goofball then proceeded to tell me to take down the question as it was an embarrassment to America, A COUNTRY He/She RESPECT SOOOOOOOOO MUCH! What a joke. I figured it was someone in a cave.

I quoted history just in case anyone reading that garbage thought there could be any truth, but the thumbs up proved different except for one in the team. So you have the answers here and I suggest you google as you may end up with some goofball that will tell you the United States of America sold opium to China and England, then again maybe the teacher could have been the one on the net. Naw kidding . Take care.

Answer 3

How about something as crazy and radical as the truth? It will at least get you an "A" for originality.

The United States is not an imperial country. After forming the contiguous U.S. we never sought to annex any country, except Hawaii. We bought Alaska.
There is a huge difference between the U.S. and an imperialist country. To appreciate this difference, let's look at real imperialist countries in recent history.

Japan was an empire. When it put its armies someplace, it was to rule with an iron fist, and make the local populace do exactly as the emperor commanded.

England was an empire. It ruled countries like India, drafting their laws, administering every aspect of their daily lives, and dictating the rights and privileges that the people could enjoy.

The USSR was an empire. Once it got its claws into a country, that country could never kick them out. Czechoslovakia tried just to put a "human face" on Communism, and in harsh response the Soviets sent in tanks to maintain absolute control over them.

Now, do you see the sharp contrast between a real imperial power and the U.S.? When the U.S. has miitary bases in a country, it is because that country sees a benefit of having them the base there. Many times, the country greatly benefits economically from our being there. They welcome us.

In recent years, some countries have asked the U.S. to remove its bases and we complied. Back in the days of imperialism, Japan, England, and the USSR would have laughed at a country asking them to remove a military (well, the USSR wouldn't have "laughed"; they had no sense of humor, just plenty of tanks to roll down your main street).

Imperialism means expansionist desires, where the target country becomes a possession of the Empire. The U.S. never annexes any country. We have had a military base in South Korea for over 50 years. Do you think South Korea is anything but completely independent? Did you know that occasionally the people vote on whether to keep our bases there? That is definitely not something a subjugated people could do. Hence, the U.S. is most definitely not an empire.

Now, the U.S. is certainly not an isolationist country like it used to be. Too many places around the globe have needed help to maintain their independence against foreign (or even internal) aggressors. It is not logistically possible for the U.S. to aid these countries without having some nearby base. It is actually a lack of bases that invites trouble. Would Saddam Hussein have invaded Kuwait if we had a base there? No, never.

The U.S. at some point realized the world needs a policeman, and we reluctantly have become just that. Sometimes I wonder if we're not the world's babysitter. In any case, we are most definitely not an imperialist nation. The definition of Imperialism is completely at odds with the actions and diplomatic stance of the U.S.

Here's the best, most fascinating research paper you can do: look at all the countries the U.S. has been at war with, and note that NONE of them have ever been "annexed" by the U.S. Look at the territories and "freely associated, self-governing, unincorporated territories of the U.S." (like Puerto Rico)

Look at Puerto Rico. We have never forced anything on them. We even let them decide if they want to formally join the U.S. and get voting privileges, but they have decided to stay a commonwealth to avoid paying taxes.

"In July 1950, the US Congress enacted Public Law 600. It provided that existing laws which defined the political, economic, and fiscal realtionship between Puerto Rico and the United States should remain in full force. It also authorized Puerto Rico to draft and approve its own Constitution, which took effect on July 25, 1952. Puerto Rico's relationship with the US is referred to as commonwealth status." (from second website below)

Look at Cuba! It was under U.S. control, but we willingly gave them sovereignty in 1902. Does that sound like the actions of an imperialistic government? (see third link below)

Now, this is a research paper I'd be fascinated to read. If you elect to write it, please send me a copy someday.

Answer 4

The Philippines were an American colony from 1899 to 1916, a period of a whole 17 years. Mexico was seized by the U.S. in a war and therefore those portions were not and are not a foreign country. Puerto Rico is a territory, not a foreign country. Hawaii is a state, not a foreign country. Having a military base in a country does not mean the first country is ruling the second country.

Answer 5

amirican imperialism on the philippines is such a very easy topic. you can see it everywhere, in your everyday life. like why your fave food keeps on getting expensive, like why your 1L gas is not enough to send your gf/bf home. and most of all, why almost all of the filipinos are still suffering and not enjoying what really life is.

just to give you an idea of a very narrow and simple and plain topic----

"us imperialism on a piece of bread"

explain how US greatly affect the prices of dairy products and other bread ingridients...

if u wanna know more,, just mail me.

Answer 6

Spanish-American War. The US won control of Cuba from Spain, that's how he got Guantanamo Bay.

Answer 7

Wow, I am so sorry you have such a whacked out professor. It is horrible that teacher these days use their position of authority to brainwash students with their views rather than giving them all the information available and letting students make up their own minds.
I'm sorry to hear you have a teacher like that.

Answer 8

How abouth the race with the Soviet Union to land on the moon?

We wanted to plant our flag there first!

I doubt anyone else in your class will address this issue.

Answer 9

tell your lib teacher that American imperialism is a creation of the communist liberals during the cold war.why do you have to put up with this idiot that is trying to brainwash you? drop the course if you can.

Answer 10

Call us Imperial Columbia. Columbia was our original name.