History of North America

North American Imperialism

American imperialism is a reference to the authoritarian behavior of military, cultural, political, geographic and economic influence of the United States over other countries.

It is through this practice that successive US governments maintain economic control of various nations.

The concept refers to the American empire, considering the political behavior of the USA from the second half of the 1800s onwards.

In the case of the United States, imperialism is rooted in the belief that it is different from other countries in the world, whose mission is to spread the ideals of freedom, equality and democracy.

Economic Factors

The US governments developed an aggressive economic policy, recruiting trading partners and reaching beyond America to Asian markets as soon as it became a colonial power in the Philippines.

Political Factors

In imperialism, the notions of nationalism and patriotism are exacerbated, linked to pride that influences the imposition by militarism.

Geographical Factors

Territorial extension is among the ways to guarantee trade, even with the European continent as its main competitor.

In addition to the flow of production, access to territorial goods guarantees access to natural resources and their endless biological wealth.

Among the examples that demonstrate the imposition of the Americans is the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, when the United States took control of all ports, military equipment, buildings and public property of the Hawaiian government.

It also annexed part of the Mexican territory in 1846 and annexed Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico.

Cultural Factors

The American way of life is sold to the whole world as perfect. The thought of the American ideal excludes the diversity of other cultures and specificities, without even masking racism and the belief of superiority.

See also:Good Neighbor Policy

Wars and Power

The term gained strength at the end of the Second World War, in 1945, considering the demonstration of US military might, with the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan.

During the so-called "age of imperialism", the US government exerted strong political, social and economic control over Cuba, the Philippines, Germany, Korea, Japan and Austria.

Among the interventionist experiences are also the wars that took place in Vietnam, Libya, Nicaragua, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Libya. In Middle Eastern countries, the US interest is clear:control over oil reserves.

With the advent of the Cold War, the US began to encourage the organization of military dictatorships in Latin America.

Read Also :Farc

Big-Stick Policy

The Big-Stick policy is a reference to the way American President Theodore Roosevelt (1901 - 1909) dealt with international relations.

In a speech, Roosevelt stated that it was necessary to speak softly, but make other nations aware of the American military might.

The big-stick was used to interfere in the policy of Latin American countries against European creditors. The president said that the US prevented Germany from attacking Venezuela, but considered that the US government could use force against Latin American countries if it deemed necessary.

Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine is a reference to the foreign policy of President James Monroe (1817 - 1825) from 1823 to recognize the independence of the South American colonies.

According to the doctrine, any act of aggression by Europeans against South American nations would be subject to US interference.

Read more :

  • Ronald Reagan
  • Imperialism and Colonialism
  • Bush Doctrine
  • Geography Enem:subjects that fall the most

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