compare the two opposing american opinions regarding expansion of the u.s. territory after the spanish american war
After the Spanish-American War, there were two opposing American opinions regarding the expansion of U.S. territory.
1. Expansionists:
Expansionists believed in the idea of Manifest Destiny and sought to expand U.S. territory both for economic and strategic reasons. They argued that the U.S. had the right and duty to spread American values and ideals to other parts of the world. Expansionists believed that acquiring new territories would open up new markets for American goods and resources, leading to economic growth. They also saw the acquisition of territories as a way to increase U.S. military presence and power globally. This viewpoint was particularly popular among business leaders and politicians who saw expansion as a way to maintain America's position as a world power.
2. Anti-Imperialists:
Anti-imperialists, on the other hand, opposed the idea of expanding U.S. territory. They argued that it went against American principles of freedom and self-determination. Anti-imperialists believed that acquiring colonies and territories would compromise the values on which the United States was founded, particularly the idea of equality and democracy. They feared that annexing new territories would lead to the subjugation or exploitation of the people living there. Many anti-imperialists were also concerned about the financial cost of maintaining and governing new territories, as well as the risk of conflict with other imperial powers.
These two opposing viewpoints reflect a fundamental disagreement about the role of the United States in the world and the consequences of territorial expansion. While expansionists argued for more territory as a means of economic and military advancement, anti-imperialists cautioned against compromising American principles for the sake of power. Ultimately, the U.S. did acquire new territories following the Spanish-American War, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, which fueled ongoing debates about American imperialism and its impact on foreign policy.