American Imperialism Imperialism is defined as extending one countries ideals and values over another nation. A strong advocator of imperialism was Teddy Roosevelt. Imperialism greatly benefited the United States in the early 1900s. Imperialism acted upon less developed countries in order to make them successful and able to thrive. Imperialism morally benefited both countries in that free trade became possible, America gained land, and economic development occurred. Free trade is trade between nations or countries without a protective tariff. When annexing a country it becomes possible to have this. America has importation laws that state there is a fee that must be paid while sending something into America. If a country can develop into part of the United States then it is possible to override those tariffs. The sugar industry was overwhelming in Hawaii, but because of the import tariff, large fees had to be paid in order to ship it. When the annexation of Hawaii occurred, it was evident that both countries would benefit from Hawaiis natural resources. America could now greatly benefit from the resource that once seemed inaccessible. Hawaiis main exporter, Samuel Dole made millions of dollars when the tariff was waived because of the annexation. Combining the nations was an intelligent and beneficiary action taken by President McKinley. Expansion is a major part of Americas history. People always wanted to discover new land or expand on what they already had. Annexation of nations helped to add to that expansion in which people strived for. Having more land meant having more room for immigrants, or for new opportunities. Businesses being able to expand meant more profit and income for the business owner. Also a major benefit of annexation was the Panama Canal. This giant canal made it possible for ships to sail through the country, instead of having to go all the way around Latin America. It quickened jobs and tasks that needed to be completed in Latin America. The United States made canal benefited many countries if not all, for it made a speedy process of transportation. Economic Development of Latin American Countries was limited. Annexation of countries made it possible for America to instate ideas of democracy. America advocates for freedom in many aspects. Granting independence and freedom would cure domestic unrest. Domestic unrest causes a lack in growth for a country. Helping poorer countries develop economically would in turn benefit the United States. It gave America more territory to instill democratic views and values. America was prospering, which with the annexation of a nation would cause them to receive that money back in some other form. It became a situation in which both countries would benefit. Overall annexation and imperialism cannot be seen as morally wrong, but morally sound. It stopped tension within countries by promoting freedom and independence. With America gaining land and free trade between once foreign nations countries were coming out with more benefits than drawbacks. Countries in the early 1900s needed guidance and support from larger more developed

nations, which is exactly what America helped to do.