What Is Mark Twain Imperialism

Mark Twain: Imperialism is superfluous and it will never bring greatness to America. The United States of America was founded on freedom and equality. Imperialism goes against what our nation was founded upon. It would be completely hypocritical to control other people when we live in a country that believes in democracy. In case you forgot Mr. Roosevelt, democracy is a form of government where the citizens exercise power together.

Theodore Roosevelt: I know what a democracy is Mr. Twain, and I do agree that the nation was founded on freedom and equality. However, your perception on imperialism is far from the truth. Imperialism gives us the opportunity to take the message of freedom and democracy to others around the world. Also, imperialism will make America impressive and powerful.
For example, after the United States won the Spanish American war, our power grew immensely. Mr. Twain, imperialism is power and our nation must benefit from it.

Mark Twain: Why do we need to stick our noses in places that it doesn't belong?
It is going to cause problems in the end. We should keep to ourselves and build up our own country. We should resolve problems in America before voyaging to other countries.

Theodore Roosevelt: As citizens of the United States, it is our duty to expand to other countries, educate them, and take advantage of their resources. It creates opportunities for our country that being isolated could not. For example, the United States has developed significantly with its new territories. With these territories, comes more power and new naval bases.

Mark Twain: More military power is very dangerous and is a threat to our democracy. European countries with large militaries give fewer rights to citizens than Americans. Also, when there are more deadly weapons a war can happen.

Theodore Roosevelt: I beg to differ, but having a larger military can intimidate the larger European countries and it will prevent war instead of creating war. In order to protect our colonies and the United States, we will need to increase our military and station troops overseas to keep peace and promote democracy throughout the
world.

Mark Twain: We are becoming like the British. The country that we rebelled against because we wanted our freedom. America took over the Philippines from Spain and what will we do? Will we create a democracy or will we continue the tyrannical reign that Spain produced.

Theodore Roosevelt: We are nothing like the British or Spain. We will give them the respect they deserve.

Mark Twain: All man, woman, and child deserves the same rights that we have here in the United States. Freedom and equality instead of tyranny should used by the government. Will you give them that?

Theodore Roosevelt: Why? We own their land and we can take advantage of the country as we please.

Mark Twain: The people of the Philippines have not had freedom in hundreds of years. Shall we continue their misery?

Theodore Roosevelt: I agree, but I think that the United States should be able to use their land for a small amount of time to get raw materials.

Mark Twain: I'm glad you are taking my advice.

Theodore Roosevelt: Thank you Mark, I will consider your previous statements.

Reporter: This was an interesting debate with numerous amounts of facts. Imperialism is a serious topic in this country and I am glad that Mr. Twain and Mr. Roosevelt are discussing it. In my opinion, the winner of tonight's debate was Mr. Twain. He made clear and precise points about imperialism. For example, the one of the first comments of the debate was, "It would be completely hypocritical to control other people when we live in a country that believes in democracy." This opening statement made me and everyone else in the room think about how he was right.