As United States gears up for 250th Independence Day this Fourth of July, its imperial past looms large. The nation's path to empire,especially late 19th and early 20th centuries,stirs questions about values in Declaration of Independence.
In this era, thinkers like William James,tycoon Andrew Carnegie, and writer Mark Twain stood against American imperialism. They joined the American Anti-Imperialist League,pushing hard to defend founding principles, resist European colonial temptations. But despite their fight, Philippines was handed to U.S. in 1898 for $20 million,staying a colony until 1946.
The league blasted government overreach, calling subjugation “criminal aggression” and a betrayal of ideals. They warned unchecked power could crush truth, threaten democracy . These voices echo today, showing dissent can be deep patriotism.
Debate over imperial aims heated up post Spanish-American War, initially fought to free Cuba from Spain . War led to U.S. stepping into Philippines, shifting its global stance . How this shapes current views…
