What is the motive?
Raw materials - steel, oil, grain, gasoline, lumber, forest resources, natural gas, coal, and minerals.
New Markets - a colonial empire would provide Americans with
Social Darwinism
Alfred T. Mahans “Influence of the Sea Power Upon History” Sea power is what makes a nation great.The government needs to encourage trade overseas and by doing so include a string navy to protect the shipping lanes.
Pro v. Anti - Imperialist Viewpoints
Pro - Imperialist
Europe is carving up Africa and Asia. The U.S needs to do the same to grab whatever is left
Collapse of the Spanish empire, allowed the U.S to take all of Spain’s possessions
Americans believed they were the superior race that deserved to rule others ands spread Christianity
Anti - Imperialist
Ruling others was immoral and went against American democracy
Colonies would become a source of cheap labor which lead to lower wages in the U.S
Possession of colonies would lead to rivalry and armed conflict