American Imperialism

Examining the history of colonial expansions, one can discern a rough but generally applicable pattern for the revolutionary subversion of non-Western societies. “Subversion began at the apex, with the defeat, humiliation, or overthrow of traditional rulers” (Reilly, 2000, p. 623; von Sivers, Desnoyers, & Stow, 2012). This was of vital assurance of law and order. With it went continuity of tradition, not only of governance but for all other social institutions, even consuming the subtle customs regulating the human psyche.(Reilly, 2000)Thus ended not only political, but also cultural determination. A new world emerged. Identities were lost and transformed. The early European conquests impacted the lives and identities of the indigenous through

Both the Spanish and the Portuguese had established trade relationships oversees. The Spaniards started commerce with the Aztec’s in the America’s. Meanwhile, the Portuguese established relations with several coastal kingdoms on West Africa. Kongo was one of their most important kingdoms. Both the Aztec’s and the Congolese had established centralized expansive empires rich with resources. The Aztec a former hunter/forager population began to farm the land, mine natural resources including gold and engaged in trade with others. (von Sivers et al., 2012)
In Kongo there existed a large palace population and a royal domain where slaves farmed. Soon, their biggest export would be human cargo. (Atlantic Slave Trade Documentary) A struggle for dominance ensued in both Mexico and Africa, war broke out and was fought for a period of time. Contagious diseases including small pox decimated Native American populations. Both European groups allied themselves with indigenous groups who provided critical support in winning the wars. In Kongo the battle started in 1579 and ended in 1657. The Aztec’s war was during 1519-1521. (von Sivers et al.,

The construction of meaning through music and song is claimed by some to be a central aspect of identity formations. Arts and expressions by the people give us access to both feeling and thoughts.(Goodwin, Jasper, & (Eds), 2005, pp. 367-368) Slaves from Africa brought with them the underpinnings of all popular music in the Americas. They brought musical instruments and engaged in singing of songs and chants. This contributed to the shaping of musical taste by the social elites. These were mostly Creoles. (von Sivers et al., 2012) These were heirs of conquistadors and estate owners, mixed farmers, ranchers and plantation owners who maintained managers on their agricultural properties.
Capitalist mercantilism emerged along with the fiscal military states. “Capitalism denotes a particular economic organization of society…throughout much of history these markets have played only a minor role in people’s lives. Most economic behavior was regulated by family, religion, tradition and political authority rather than by markets.”((Reilly, 2000) p. 187).
Prosperity or poverty depended on the quantity of that labor which one could command.