Spanish American War Research Paper

Crucible of Empire In 1898 as a result of the Spanish American War, the United States established itself in its role as an imperial power in the world. The war also caused a modern, globalized America that was on the threshold of becoming a global superpower. However, this new role for America was against the initial founding values of anti-imperialism. From the text, “The Spanish-American war of 1898 represents one of the clearest cases where the United States broke from unilateralist policy, to become actively engaged internationally, both militarily and politically” (Kaufman 44). In this paper, I’m going to explain how Americans reconciled the tensions of its founding values and how this struggle continues to this day, and how the war

This political theory’s definition is to foster economic expansion, cultivate allies, and international and legal financial order that permits the “broadest possible goal” (Lecture 4). This theory supports America’s desire in the Spanish American war because of the sought after economic expansion and purchase of Philippians. Also, it supports the desire for new order to enhance their position in the world on a more global scale rather than an isolated one. Another one of Mead’s theories that support the conflict as well is Jacksonianism. Although more of an Isolationist sentiment; some of its ideas come it play in this situation also. Jacksonianism believes in a strong military and to respond fiercely to those who attacked civilians. The American response to the explosion of the USS Maine portrays this. The theory also portrays American expansionism and patriotism. The latter that rose fiercely after the sinking of the USS Maine in newspapers. Through the result of the attaining new territories, this supports the expansionist

It also united the nation for the first time since the American Civil War, and established a modern United States through the power of the press, and drew attention to foreign policy in political offices. It became modern because of the power of the press and imperialism that shaped America as a dominant global force. The war also produced brilliant leaders like Theodore Roosevelt who would go on to continue the quest for American global dominance. Foreign policy was changed with new duties in global matters to deal with their new territories, and domestically with the power of the press and made it a predominant factor in future presidential elections. If the United State didn’t get involved in this war, it would have delayed the unification of the nation, and would have not given the U.S. valuable international experience which could have affected the nation in future events like the Great War. From the text, “Roosevelt and other imperialists never doubted the wisdom of the war against Spain, nor taking the territory that is did for the United States. This was all part of the destiny of the U.S. national greatness” (Kaufman 59). Although the war and its implications were and are controversial, it was valuable to our country for bringing it out of darkness and into the international