Debating America’s New Role

chapter 10, section 4

PRO Imperialism Arguments

Offers “new frontier” for the American Spirit.

• Supporters argued that many poor and uneducated countries were not ready for freedom, and the US influence would prepare the people for democracy.

• The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts were immensely popular, and were created by people who believed in the frontier mentality.

• One of the main advantages of imperialism were the markets that new territories provided for the US industries.

• Imperialism had to be supported by a strong Navy, and Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet showed the advantages of a strong Navy.

• Many countries turned to the US for help when their independence was threatened.

ANTI Imperialism Arguments

• Rejects the foundations of American ideals and democracy.

• Argued that people in US territories should be guaranteed the same rights as US citizens

• The poor residents of countries would drive down wages in the US because they would work cheaper than Americans would.

• The large standing armies required to maintain US power abroad could be used against American citizens.

• Many people did not want to absorb the people of foreign countries into the US, because they came from “inferior” races, and they might move to the US

YANKEE GO HOME!!!

• Imperialism created great animosity towards Americans because many times the US supported governments that were unpopular in their own countries.