Question

in your own words, explain only one of the prompts:

1. question 1 - the ethics of expansion

during the late 1800s, the united states justified overseas expansion by claiming to \civilize\ other nations and spread democracy. considering this justification and the events of the spanish - american war, to what extent was u.s. imperialism driven by moral duty versus economic and political self - interest?
in your response, use specific evidence from at least two of the following:
the annexation of the philippines
the role of yellow journalism
the \white mans burden\ or similar rhetoric
u.s. actions in cuba or puerto rico

Explanation:

The question asks about the extent to which U.S. imperialism in the late 1800s was driven by moral duty (like "civilizing" and spreading democracy) versus economic and political self - interest. To answer, one could analyze the annexation of the Philippines. The U.S. claimed to bring "civilization" (moral duty rhetoric), but also gained economic resources (sugar, tobacco) and a strategic naval base (political - economic self - interest). Another example is the role of yellow journalism. It whipped up public sentiment (using moralistic language about helping Cubans) but also served the interests of newspaper owners (sales) and the broader political - economic goal of expanding U.S. influence (e.g., access to Cuban markets).

Answer:

U.S. imperialism was more driven by economic and political self - interest than moral duty. For example, in the annexation of the Philippines, while there was "civilizing" rhetoric (moral - duty facade), the U.S. gained economic resources and a strategic naval base. Yellow journalism, which used moralistic language (e.g., helping Cubans), also served the economic (newspaper sales) and political (expanding U.S. influence) self - interests.