IMPERIALISTS & ANTI-IMPERIALISTS
Imperialism, the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas, appealed to the American ideal of conquering a new frontier. The United States, believing they could create an empire based on dominating weaker nations, focused on selling its products to these acquisitions. Thus, the period of imperialism was purely an economic venture controlled by capitalists to acquire greater profits.
However, the Anti-Imperialists, led by famous people like Mark Twain on the left, was a movement of Republicans, who were joined by Southern Democrats for racial reasons, feared that imperialism would lead to military involvement to secure its new territories, which was definitely shown in the three-year embattlement known as the Filipino Insurrection. Besides military involvement, many antis also feared challenges within the American workforce, which would result in excessive costs and job losses.
Finally, many opposed to imperialism believed that it violated American principles. Since the concept of "liberty for all" and the rights guaranteed under the Constitution would be denied the basic life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness promised under the Declaration of Independence. Hence, America would become the imperialists that the British were against the Colonists during the period of 1660 to 1783.
However, the Anti-Imperialists, led by famous people like Mark Twain on the left, was a movement of Republicans, who were joined by Southern Democrats for racial reasons, feared that imperialism would lead to military involvement to secure its new territories, which was definitely shown in the three-year embattlement known as the Filipino Insurrection. Besides military involvement, many antis also feared challenges within the American workforce, which would result in excessive costs and job losses.
Finally, many opposed to imperialism believed that it violated American principles. Since the concept of "liberty for all" and the rights guaranteed under the Constitution would be denied the basic life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness promised under the Declaration of Independence. Hence, America would become the imperialists that the British were against the Colonists during the period of 1660 to 1783.