A Watershed in American Imperialism The Spanish

A Watershed in American Imperialism The Spanish-American War Overview An important turning point in American history was the Spanish-American War (1898), which marked the country's shift from isolationism to a more interventionist approach to international relations. This essay contends that the war significantly altered American imperial goals, as evidenced by the country's acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico and Guam, changes to its national character, and its rise to prominence as a major world power. Acquiring Territories and Pursuing Imperial Goals The United States gained numerous territories as a result of the SpanishAmerican War, greatly influencing its position in the world. The conflict came to an end with the Treaty of Paris (1898), which gave America sovereignty over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The idea of "Manifest Destiny" was used by American officials to justify their activities, making this expansion a symbol of the imperialistic sentiments of the time. In particular, the purchase of the Philippines sparked a national discussion regarding imperialism and whether it was an act of tyranny or a moral duty to advance civilization among other peoples. This war demonstrated the United States' willingness to use force to influence events abroad and signaled a significant change. Changes in National Identity The results of the Spanish-American War significantly changed the perspective of the United States as a nation. The triumphant military confrontation with a colonial force enhanced American pride and nationalism. Newspapers promoted the idea of an American mission to spread democracy and civilization, presenting the struggle as a noble enterprise. They were greatly influenced by individuals such as Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. However, authors such as Mark Twain criticized this imperialism, voicing worries that it went against the principles of American democracy. American society's internal struggle, which strikes a balance between ideals of liberty and behaviors reminiscent of colonial dominance, is a reflection of the complexity of the country's developing national identity during this time. Ascent to World Domination In the end, the Spanish-American War established American dominance on the world stage. America's later involvement in World War I is proof that it grew increasingly interested in international politics after the war. The war demonstrated the United States' military might and willingness to defend its interests overseas. In addition, the ensuing Philippine-American War exposed the difficulties in establishing a nation and the ethical dilemmas posed by imperialism. The Spanish-American War, thus, not only reshaped American foreign policy but also laid the groundwork for America's participation in world affairs during the 20th century. In summary In summary, the United States underwent significant transformation as a result of the Spanish-American War, moving from an internal affairsfocused country to one that was aggressively pursuing imperial goals. The conflict had a long-lasting impact on American culture and its place in the globe through territorial gains, a change in national identity, and the emergence of the United States as a major world power. The aftermath of this battle would shape American foreign policy for a very long time to come, solidifying the country's position as an imperial power. Citations The American Empire and the Spanish-American War, N. West (2019), Journal of American History, 106(1), pp. 40-63 The Spanish-American War: A Study in American Exceptionalism by M. Smith was published in the Journal of Modern History, 89(2), pp. 156–182. "Empires: How We Built Them and How They Ended," Ferguson, N. (2018), Basic Books, pp. 215-237