American Imperialism In The Late 19th And Early 20th Century

There has been an ongoing debate that the United States of America has always been an empire. It dominated over a realm of territories and established its mark almost over every corner of the continent. What appeared to be an empire consequently led to imperialism. American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th century marked the country’s beginnings as a global superpower. But with these advances came with great responsibility.
From 1950 to 1980, the world marveled at the feet of the economic Golden Age brought by the first American Empire – developing countries soared and economies proved to be growing faster than any stage of colonial history (Amsden, 2007:1).
The first American Empire can be characterized by economic, military and
cultural influence over other countries or states. America had expanded over foreign territories rubbing off their influence, causing what was soon known to industrialization in the developing world. “The American Empire’s own culture and counterculture made a deep impression on all developing countries” (Amsden, 2007:2). “The First Empire was a great champion of decolonization, not least of all because it gave American industry a chance to penetrate markets previously monopolized by Britain and France” (Amsden, 2007:5).
Enormous technological transfers that were impossible to imagine developed – market, prices and political control were hallmarks of the American operation (Amsden, 2007:5). Modern industries were established in developing countries and income grew faster in developing countries than in developed ones. Amsden (2007:6) states that this was the first recorded history, a period of unique expansion in living standards, wages and poverty reduction.
The first American empire later crumbled due to War, price hikes and Wall Street (Amsden, 2007:3). This collapse saw the rise of the Second American Empire. “A Second American Empire arose in 1980, with the elections of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher” (Amsden, 2007:1). The boom ended – inflation raised, oil prices hiked and the Vietnam War led to monetarism at the federal reserve (Amsden, 2007:6).
This essay will evaluate how the First American Empire shaped prospects for industrialization in the developing world. This essay will also look at to what extent was its impact positive or negative.
Developing World
Lingering behind America were places such as Africa, India and Asia that were categorized as developing countries. This meant that they lacked the technological advancement that American possessed. Poverty was rife in some of these places, education was at bare minimum and living standards were relatively low. The first American Empire was seen to remedy the lack of advancement as it brought about somewhat of an economic relief to these developing countries. We have seen “investments in new plant and equipment to create jobs, foreign aid for water, sewage, roads, and education raised human welfare but not employment” (Amsden, 2007:5). Amsden (2007:5) further states that “schooling was emphasized but ironically, unemployed school graduates were ignored. Growth was said to be faster on average under government intervention than under markets”.
Industrialization
Industrialization is described as the process in which society transforms itself from primarily agricultural society into one based on the manufacturing of goods and services.
Manual labour is usually replaced with by machines of mass production. Technological innovation is also often characterized with industrialization which then leads to the efficient division of labour and economic growth. The first American Empire paved way for industrialization in developing countries. It opened up a way of free markets. Growth income grew in respective countries way beyond percentages never imagined in history. Amsden (2007:8) further
adds:
“The law of comparative advantage was obeyed on and off, as countries used their prewar manufacturing experience and state support to march into midtech industries like automobiles, petrochemicals, shipbuilding, and steel. China and India grew relatively slowly in the years immediately after World War II. Planning was too centralized in China, but the foundations of modern industry were laid, electricity reached almost all villages, education became nearly universal, and government R&D institutes accumulated human capital” (Amsden, 2007:8). In addition to what has been said above by Amsden, it is interesting to note these two countries, India and China are slowly creeping behind America in terms of technological advancement, industrialization and innovation.
It can be assumed that the first American Empire did indeed shape the prospects for industrialization in these developing countries.
The impact of Industrialization
At the start of the first American Empire, one would never argue against the statement that the industrialization road paved by American has a positive impact – and arguably in a way it did. If we take a look at Asmden’s statement regarding growth, particularly India, Amsden (2007:8) suggests the following:
“India’s growth rate was faster than the average growth rate after 1980 for developing countries as a whole. Output rose over time, soaring in the early 1990s even before market reforms began. Software services boomed in the remote region of Bangalore, which benefited from former government investments in electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, and a prestigious Indian Institute of Science. The military chose Bangalore as a center of science and technology because it was safe from Russian and Chinese attack. Soon the Bangalore region had more experienced engineers than any other part of India” (Amsden,
2007:8).
Conclusion
Under modern conditions, it is evident that the need for industrialized states is imperative. Industries are expanding – the demand of goods and services are becoming more and more diversified (Earle, 1923:104). “As industrial productivity increases, export trade occupies a continually more important place in the national economy, and foreign markets are considered to be as important as sources of raw materials” (Earle, 1923:104). Zevin (1972:317) is of the idea that” imperialism is the objectless disposition on the part of a state to unlimited forcible expansion”.

Bibliography
Amsden, A, H. 2007. Escape from Empire: The developing world’s journey through heaven and hell. United States of America. MIT Press.
Earle, E. M. 2003. The Outlook for American Imperialism. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 9: 104 – 107.
Zevin, R. 1972. An Interpretation of American Imperialism. The Journal of Economic History, 32(1): 316 -360.