American War Dbq Essay

The American-Philippine War and Its Decline in Foreign Policy

America is a strong political and economic influence that uses its power to strengthen and provide for other nations. Imperial America consisted of the thirst for new markets, the desire for military strength, and the belief in cultural superiority. The United States has had its history of annexation over territories and land, because of imperialism. At the start, the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, and in 1893, annexed Hawaii. The Spanish-American war resulted in the Treaty of Paris of 1898. Spain had freed Cuba and turned over the islands of Guam in the Pacific and Puerto Rico to the United States. Spain had also sold the Philippines to the United States for twenty million.

Grover Cleveland stated, "...it has been the settled policy of the United States to concede to people of foreign countries the same freedom and independence in the management of their domestic affairs that we have always claimed for ourselves." (Document D) President Grover Cleveland believed that the United States should not be expanding and acknowledged that America did not have the right to control how other nations were governed. Independence was once given to the United States, therefore, other annexed nations should receive that same independence. A reason for the American-Philippine war occurring is the absence of independence for Filipinos which does not reflect the United States principle of independence. In the "Now, Will He Let Go?" political cartoon, Uncle Sam is shown holding onto the planet Earth, representing it belongs to the United States that is written out onto the Earth. (Document G) America's annexation has shown its excessive control over these foreign territories and their independence. The United States did not believe it was time to let go of these territories and let them become independent. The belief of not having enough territory showed through the United States' actions, and the Philippines was left with no independence right after the

Secretary of State Blaine said in his invitation to Latin American leaders, "The President extends to all the independent countries of North and South America an earnest invitation to participate in a general congress to be held in the city of Washington .... for the purpose of considering and discussing the methods of preventing war between the nations of America." (Document B) This shows that maintaining peace for all nations was discussed between Secretary of State James G. Blaine and Latin American leaders. However, the United States becoming involved in the American-Philippine War contradicts their want for peace. William McKinley stated, "...to take measures to secure a full and final termination of hostilities between the Government of Spain and the people of Cuba, and to secure in the island the establishment of a stable government, " (Document E) This shows McKinley protecting U.S. interests, but completely ignores maintaining peace. Going to war with the Philippines and Spain shows how the United States got involved in international