The Spanish American War Summary

The American government’s mission to “create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community” rarely impacts their actions in the 19th and early 20th century. The American government holds the wishes of the American people as paramount. International community generally received consideration when it involved other European countries such as Britain and Spain, yet held little bearing when in regard to Native Americans or Filipinos. The American Civil War involved almost no foreign intervention, yet American foreign policy still played a part. In 1861 with the threat of Britain entering the Civil War Captain Charles Wilkes, a Union naval officer, coordinated a search

If anything, it scared and angered millions around the world. While the US spared many Spaniards by staging a mock battle, this in no way makes up for the events that followed. There was controversy among the American population as well. Many individuals, such as Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie, verbally opposed annexation, as well as war in the Philippines. Fears of an imperialist America also arose, with one individual calling it “an abuse of [America’s] power.” (Shmoop Editorial Team. "The Spanish-American War Summary & Analysis." Shmoop. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 22 Mar. 2016.). America occasionally shows compassion in the 19th century, often towards European Nations such as Britain and Spain. However, those considered more “foreign”, such as the Native Americans and the Filipinos, are ignored, neglected, and forced to comply. This attitude is in no way true to the mission of America’s foreign policy. While we more closely follow this policy today, there are still times of disparity when it goes unacknowledged. Maybe history is bound to repeat itself, but by striving to create a more prosperous global climate we can hope to avoid our past