American imperialism
American imperialism is the American policy of maintaining or extending power over foreign nations, particularly through expansionism.
Expansionism was a primary objective of most empires, an example being the British Empire. This includes politics, money, culture, and the military. After World War II, the United States became a strong and powerful country. This influence continues today.[1] It has a strong global influence.
American imperialism began in the 1890s. In 1896, the US annexed the Hawaiian Islands.[2]
After the Spanish-American War, the US annexed Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. In 1914, the US completed the Panama Canal. The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine increased American influence in Latin America. It was the basis for Roosevelt's Big Stick policy.
History
[change | change source]Before World War II
[change | change source]Before World War II, America was isolationist, in accordance with the wishes of its first president, George Washington.[3] Starting at the beginning of the 20th century, its influnce grew with movies and music. It also had a very important role in World War I, which led to much discussion within America.[4]
After World War II
[change | change source]After World War II, the United States became very strong. It had a good economy. When the Marshall Plan started in 1948, America helped rebuild Europe.[5] This started America's close relationship with Europe. Because of all this, other countries became dependent on the United States and followed its lead. It was a founding member of the UN,[6] an organization made to make countries work together.
Cold War
[change | change source]During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were the two big powers. The US wanted to stop the spread of communism, so it formed alliances like NATO and gave aid to other countries. This made the U.S. very influential and important to global politics.
After the Cold War
[change | change source]When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the United States became the only superpower. This made the world unipolar (one central power), with the U.S. as the main leader. The US shaped international institutions, made economic rules, and sometimes used its military in different parts of the world.
Economic power
[change | change source]The U.S. dollar is the main currency used around the world.[7] This makes the U.S. very powerful economically. Organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are also influenced by the U.S. This helps the U.S. set global economic policies and make trade agreements that help its interests (what the US wants).
Cultural influence
[change | change source]American culture, like movies, music, and technology, is spread worldwide.[8] American tech companies, social media, and fashion also have a big impact.[9]
Challenges and concerns
[change | change source]Some people criticize America.[10] They say the U.S. sometimes acts like an empire, putting its interests before others. Military interventions and the idea that America is special [according to whom?] have made some upset.[11]
China
[change | change source]China has been growing economically since the 20th century.[12] Some people think that China will overtake America on the World Stage.
References
[change | change source]
- ↑ Kennedy, Paul Michael (1987). The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: economic change and military conflict from 1500 to 2000. New York: Random House. ISBN 978-0-394-54674-2.
- ↑ Stephen Armstrong (4 March 2011). "The Rise of American Imperialism (1890–1913) for AP U.S. History". Education.com, Inc. Archived from the original on 28 May 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ↑ "Farewell address". NYPL Digital Collections.
- ↑ Chalberg, John C., ed. (1995). Isolationism. Opposing viewpoints series. San Diego, Calif: Greenhaven Press. ISBN 978-1-56510-222-4.
- ↑ Steil, Benn (2019). The Marshall Plan: dawn of the Cold War (First Simon & Schuster trade paperback ed.). New York, NY London Toronto Sydney New Delhi: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks. ISBN 978-1-5011-0237-0.
- ↑ Hoopes, Townsend; Brinkley, Douglas (1997). FDR and the creation of the U.N. New Haven [Conn.] London: Yale university press. ISBN 978-0-300-06930-3.
- ↑ "How the Dollar Impacts Commodity Prices". February 20, 2024.
- ↑ Wike, Richard (22 February 2013). "American Star Power Still Rules the Globe". Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project. Pew Research Center. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ↑ "Largest tech companies by market cap". companiesmarketcap.com. 5 April 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ↑ Lewis, Bernard. What went wrong? Western impact and Middle Eastern response. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-514420-8.
- ↑ Najjar, Fauzi (September 2005). "The Arabs, Islam and Globalization". Middle East Policy. 12 (3): 91–106. doi:10.1111/j.1061-1924.2005.00215.x. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ↑ "GDP growth (annual %) - China". World Bank Open Data. 20 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
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