Mr. Stewart has given us the example of the hat maker. He makes too many hats for the American population to buy, but if the US owns a colony somewhere else, since the US controls their economy and government they can force them to only buy hats from the hat maker person. Part of the reason why we are at war with the Middle East is quite similar. Before 9/11 we were in a period of peace, but since that event happened we have had an excuse to go to war somewhere. If there is no war, the companies making machinery and guns and ammunition are not making any money. So, we have interfered with political issues that have nothing to do with the US in attempt to use up the products made by these companies so they can make money.
Another reason why countries take over one another is for resources. European countries all fought over for parts of Africa because they had many resources including people that they could take as slaves. An example of America taking over other countries for resources is Cuba. Due to the Spanish-American war, ownership of Cuba was at stake. The US wanted Cuba because they had sugar plantations, and if the US took control of Cuba then they would also control the sugar trade and make a lot of money.
When we think of imperialism we think of Great Britain and other large worldly powers, but I personally have never heard anyone say that America is an imperialist country that follows those ideals. When America was first being formed, people forcefully took land away from Native Americans, like how any other imperialist country would. I think the idea that America was never imperialist should be changed.
While I think that the point you bring up with the war in the Middle East is interesting, ultimately I disagree with it. The United States is not at war with the Middle East simply so that our weapons companies can make money, we are at war to prevent terrorism and maintain peace in the United States and in other parts of the world that are unable to fight for themselves.
ReplyDeleteThat's what they want you to think.
DeleteI find your connection between the United States and imperialism very interesting. I like how you pointed out the different motives for imperialism, and how you tied that back to the United States and Cuba. I agree with your point about how most people view imperialism as something that happened in other countries a long time ago, but in reality, it is something that has affected the United States, and still affects the US to this day.
ReplyDelete