Project on American Imperialism
Background : The late 19th century is sometimes called the age of neo-imperialism, as the developed nations scrambled to assert their control over various lesser-developed areas of the world. Although generally relatively indifferent to international issues and contemptuous of European practices, as was first expressed in the Monroe Doctrine, the United States nevertheless got into the game of empire building, though somewhat reluctantly. As Mahan put it, whether they wanted to or not, Americans were forced to look outward. In both foreign and domestic affairs, the country entered a new phase as the 20th century arrived. It is interesting that as we contemplate the arrival of the new millennium, many of the same issues exist that were evident 100 years ago.
Lenin said that imperialism is the last stage of capitalism. What he meant was that capitalism is an oppressive, expansive system that needs ever larger sources of revenue-markets and labor sources-on which to feed. Another sharp critic of American ways, William Appleman Williams, wrote a book called "the Tragedy of American Diplomacy," which gained a lot of attention back in the 1960s when American foreign policy (especially in Vietnam ) was coming under heavy fire. In that book he claimed that well meaning American “statesmen” and diplomats had done a lot of damage through short-sighted and ill-advised policies toward other nations.
Others have claimed that while American foreign policy has certainly been flawed, America has done its share to benefit the world. By fighting to bring an end to the First World War, and against Nazi tyranny and Japanese militarism in World War II, and by helping nations achieve their destiny in various ways, the United States has done much to rid the world of some of its worst enemies. Although most supporters of American policy would admit we have made some bad, even tragic mistakes, they would still argue that American diplomacy was, all things considered, no worse than that of most nations and considerably better than some, especially in this “age of imperialism” around the turn of the last century.
What do you make of these conflicting claims? Was America generally on the right track, or badly misguided? Do you think we should have proceeded in markedly different directions? What did we achieve, or fail to achieve? Some of these questions and the answers to them obviously have significant implications for current foreign policy issues. We are still arguing over whether the United States should stay home and mind its own business, or do what some say we are doing already, acting as the "world's policeman." Use the documents provided as a basis for your argument—how do you read the various claims made? Some questions you might think about as you read these sources:
Imperialism and Sources:
Review Topic Summary on Imperialism
Write an essay in which you consider some of the following questions