Debate on Imperialism vs Anti-Imperialism

What is the definition of imperialism?

• The practice of spreading a nation’s strength and influence using economic, political, and military power.

• The belief in maintaining peace and avoiding conflict at all costs.

• The process of forming alliances with other nations for mutual benefit.

• The act of isolating a nation from foreign affairs.

Match the following descriptions with the correct group related to American foreign policy.

• The Anti-Imperialist League.

• A group of notable Americans opposed to the foreign policy changes they saw happening in the country.

• U.S. government faction for imperialism.

• A faction within the U.S. government promoting imperialism.

• European opposition to American imperialism.

• A coalition of European nations against American imperialism.

• Supporters of American overseas expansion.

• A group of American businesspeople supporting overseas expansion.

Match the following concerns with their reasons related to imperialist actions in the late 1800s.

• Concern about religious influence.

• They thought it would strengthen the military.

• Concern about contradicting American values.

• They feared it would contradict American values of freedom and democracy.

• Concern about military strength.

• They were worried about the spread of Christianity.

• Concern about economic benefits.

• They believed it would lead to economic prosperity.

What was one economic argument made by imperialists in favor of colonization?

• It would allow the U.S. to spread democracy.

• It would provide access to valuable natural resources not found in the United States.

• It would help in forming alliances with European powers.

• It would reduce the need for military expansion.

Analyze the reasoning behind the imperialists' argument that the U.S. would be "civilizing" the people they colonized.

• They believed it would lead to technological advancements in the colonies.

• They thought it would improve the colonies' political systems.

• They argued that American missionaries could bring Christianity to American colonies.

• They assumed it would increase the colonies' economic independence.

What was the anti-imperialists' view on controlling and exporting resources from colonized lands?

• They saw it as a form of economic development.

• They considered it exploitation.

• They believed it was necessary for national security.

• They thought it would lead to cultural exchange.

Discuss the potential consequences if the United States did not acquire new territories, according to imperialists.

• The territories would remain independent and neutral.

• The territories would be acquired by other foreign powers like the British or the French.

• The territories would become economically prosperous on their own.

• The territories would form alliances with the U.S.

Evaluate the statement: "Imperialism is hostile to liberty." What does this imply about the anti-imperialists' perspective?

• They believed imperialism promoted global peace.

• They thought imperialism was a threat to individual freedoms and democratic values.

• They viewed imperialism as a way to strengthen national security.

• They considered imperialism a means to economic growth.

Identify one example of a territory mentioned in the text that was of interest to American imperialists for its natural resources.

• The Philippines

• Cuba

• Puerto Rico

• Guam

How did imperialists justify the acquisition of new territories despite the anti-imperialists' concerns?

• By arguing that it would lead to global disarmament.

• By claiming that the territories would be taken by other powers if not by the U.S.

• By suggesting it would reduce domestic unemployment.

• By promising to grant immediate independence to the territories.