During the 1900’s, imperialism was a very controversial political issue in the United states. This national argument becom particularly strong when the Filipinos began to fight back against U.S occupation in their country. This sparked many conflicts between people that believed in imperialism and people who were against imperialism. Since many larger companies were taking over more land and expanding their power, some people believed the US should do the same thing so they would be able to compete with those growing countries. Although, imperialism would allow the U.S to become a more powerful nation, there were many reasons why imperialism was not a proper and legitimate policy for the United States. Imperialism was not proper because it contradicted the policies and morals built around the United States.
One of the main arguments against imperialism was that the U.S had no right to govern a nation without their consent. This theory was especially strong with religious people and religious political
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This group showed their opposition of imperialism in hopes of changing the government's mind. For example, in the Anti-Imperialist League’s platform it talks about how governing other nations goes against the United States promise of freedom. “We regret that it has become necessary in the Land of Washington and Lincoln to reaffirm that all men, of whatever race or color, are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Document 7). In this quote it restates the promise that the United States made to all people. If the US governs other nations, without their consent, they are breaking their promise of a free life. As stated by Lincoln, “no man is good enough to govern another man without their consent” (Document 7). These examples show that imperialism goes against the policies, morales and promises of the United States of