Pro vs. Anti-Imperialism Article

Who was a prominent advocate for American imperialism and naval power in the late 1800s?

• Mark Twain

• Andrew Carnegie

• Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan

• William Jennings Bryan

What was the Anti-Imperialist League's main argument against American imperialism?

• It was economically beneficial

• It violated principles of freedom and self-government

• It strengthened national security

• It was a moral duty to civilize other nations

Which territory was annexed by the United States in 1898, providing a strategic Pacific base?

• Cuba

• Midway

• Hawaii

• Wake Island

What did anti-imperialists believe about the annexation of territories like the Philippines after the Spanish-American War?

• It was a strategic necessity

• It was a fulfillment of the White Man's Burden

• It went against the idea of consent of the governed

• It was a way to compete with European powers

Which statement best explains the main argument made by Alfred Thayer Mahan in The Influence of Sea Power Upon History?

• Nations should limit their overseas involvement to avoid foreign conflicts.

• Naval power and overseas bases were essential for national strength.

• Industrialization would naturally lead to peace between countries.

• Colonies were harmful to economic development.

Which of the following were major anti-imperialist argument in the late 1800s?

• Imperialism would increase the national debt.

• Expansion would violate democratic ideals.

• Overseas colonies could provide markets and naval bases.

• The United States should avoid contact with foreign nations.

Which of the following were major pro-imperialists argument in the late 1800s?

• Overseas colonies could provide markets and naval bases.

• Compete with other countries as a world power

• The White Man's Burden to civilize people

• They believed it went against the idea of self-government and democracy.

What event best represents the success of imperialist ideas during this era?

• The U.S. withdrawal from Cuba after the Spanish-American War

• The annexation of Hawaii and the building of the Panama Canal

• The end of westward expansion within the continental United States

• The rise of isolationist movements during the early 1900s

Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Pro-Imperialist Arguments

,

(b) Anti-Imperialist Arguments

• Violates American democratic ideals

• Goes against the idea of “consent of the governed”

• Alfred T. Mahan

• Gain new markets for goods

• “Civilize” and spread Western culture

• Strengthen the U.S. Navy and gain overseas bases

• Wastes money that could help Americans at home