Example Of American Imperialism

The United States Of Imperialism by Mary Stoelting

Google defines imperialism as “a policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force”. Judging by this definition, US imperialism definitely exists. There are many examples of both imperialism through diplomacy, and imperialism through military force, in history. Whether or not intentional, it still happened. One example of imperialism through military forces by the US would be the annexation of Hawaii. In January of 1893, American sugar-growers in Hawaii staged an uprising to overthrow the queen. US marines stormed the islands, albeit without President approval, forcing the queen to abdicate the throne. This left the president to decide what to do, but he left office before deciding. Then, President William McKinley signed a joint resolution annexing an island because naval bases on the islands would be critical during the
Through diplomacy, such as aid sent to other countries, the US does enact imperialism. When we send aid, we send supplies made in the US. Because the US doesn’t even think to send them items native to their own country, we are forcing them to accept our culture. It’s basically like saying; “either accept our products or die”. Even if it’s not intentional, this is definitely an example of diplomatic imperialism. The effects of this aid do not stop there though. When introduced to US products and forced to accept them into their daily lives, it gives the US another distinct advantage. Consumerism. They grow attached to these US products and when they have no need to receive them through aid any longer, they look elsewhere to find them. This encourages businesses to expand worldwide and promotes globalization. Businesses go where demand is highest. This US consumerism is another example of imperialism, because although it is not strictly control by the US, but it is definitely the US’s