American Imperialism Dbq Essay

Imperialism is the act of colonizing smaller countries and territories. Many countries apply imperialism to their government, to gain power. The power can be economic, political, social, or even military benefits. In the late 1800s, America was also one of the countries that decided to include imperialism in the government, however, unfortunately in America's imperialistic era, land was gained at the cost of trust and values. Imperialism in America cannot be justified due to its contradictions of American Ideals and conflict between other countries.

One reason why imperialism can't be justified is that when America started the practice of imperialism, it betrayed the principles of the country. Some of these principles of America include;

For example, “ We have turned against the weak and the friendless who trusted us; we have robbed a trusting friend of his land and his liberty;.” (Doc 3) This line of Mark Twain's speech conveys that America did not save Cuba but took captive the colony once under Spain. When Spain was mistreating Cuba, Americans believed it was their duty to “free” Cubans from the mistreatment from Spain. After mistreatment under the Spanish, Cubans expected their freedom which meant being able to be an independent country, however in turn they received more governance from the U.S. When Cuba was colonized by America, they had no say in the government and how they were being treated by the U.S, this went against America's ideal of representative democracy and freedom. Cubans were being treated like little children who were unable to support themselves, America painted the idea that Cubans needed America to take care of and watch over them. When America decided to take

In this situation, the U.S. was being hypocritical since it went against the ideals which were set. Another example of broken ideals is shown in the political cartoon drawn by an unknown cartoonist. (Doc 4) This cartoon portrays how imperialism violates American ideals of freedom, representative democracy, and independence. Firstly, the cartoon highlights the use of torture by American soldiers, a method called waterboarding. Waterboarding is when water is poured over a cloth covering the face and breathing passages of an immobilized captive, causing the person to experience the sensation of drowning. In the cartoon, members of Theodore Roosevelt's administration are shown as miniature demons who pin Uncle Sam to the ground to get Uncle Sam to admit that an Empire is superior to a Republic. The person by the spigot torturing Uncle Sam with water is none other than Theodore Roosevelt. The "Roosevelt's Platform" water barrel has the following imperial measures printed on it: "Repeal of the Declaration of Independence, Perversion of Monroe Doctrine, Military Despotism, Violation of Rules of War, Autocracies,