The American War Of 1898 - 1372 Words

Throughout the history of America, individuals have been exploring the frontier, broadening horizons, and pushing boundaries. During the eighteenth century, Americans set out to settle the western frontier, ingrained within them the idea of manifest destiny, which stated that the United States was destined to stretch from coast to coast. Individuals began to migrate west in droves, rapidly expanding the United States until they reached the Pacific. In 1890, the Census Bureau declared that the frontier had been â€Å"officially closed.† Americans had settled the far reaches of their country, fulfilling manifest destiny. The United States began to set its sights on greater, overseas conquests. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth†¦show more content†¦As a result, varying views began to emerge regarding imperialism and how to govern the new territories. Some individuals deemed imperialism disdainful and oppressive, while others saw it as the nation’s obligat ion and beneficial to all involved. Great debate arose, especially surrounding the Philippines, which remained restless under America’s rule. Although Americans appeared to be completely divided over imperialism, most individuals, regardless of their position, considered the effects of imperialism on the Filipino people and the American nation as a whole. Despite the greater emphasis placed on the oppressed people and the implications of imperialism on the United States, some focused on the effects of expansion on the American people, viewing imperialism through the lense of racial inequality. For example, E. E. Cooper, an African American editor of the newspaper Colored American, supported the war with Spain because he believed it would â€Å"cement the races into a more compact brotherhood through perfect unity of purpose and patriotic affinity† (1). Cooper’s perspective is that of an African American man finding hope anywhere he can that America is headed for more accepting times. However, his point of view does not represent the majority of individuals during this time period, and, therefore, his support for imperialism is anomalous. Most individuals, whether adversaries or supporters, viewed imperialism as