During our debate, we pretended that we were back in 1898 after having won the Spanish-American War and taken over colonies from Spain like the Philippine Islands. Option 1 argued that America should keep the Philippines and begin the development of an American empire. Option 2 felt that America needed to walk away from the potential empire that we were about to grab ahold of at that time. Option 3 includes the main idea of keeping the important harbor of Manila in the Philippines only, but not the rest of the archipelago. This is more of a business-centered focus as opposed to military (Option 1) or moral (like Option 2).I want you to look at this from 2 angles:
1. In 1898, which option do you think was best for America? Why?
2. And now, which option do you think would be best for America today if we continue to gain more territory?
(150 words minimum - please make sure you answer both questions). Due Monday 10/20/08
Additional websites/assets:
Reenacted trench battle film from 1899 in the war (it's o.k. to laugh, no one died in this fake battle footage): mailto:NUMBER+@band(sawmp+0849))+@field(COLLID+spanam))
54 comments:
I think in 1898 the best solution for America would be to walk away from being an empire. There are many reasons why. One of them, and I think this is one of the most important one, is written in the Constitution. A country can’t rule another country without their consent. If the U.S. would have a military basis in Manila it would be considered imperialism. Besides, who would pay for all the expenses? I doubt the thousands of immigrants who arrive every day in New York could have enough money. In 1898 there is not such a thing like income tax. The U.S. should focus on their domestically problems like poverty and unemployment. Also, we have to look back in history. Britain had already many problems with imperialism. The Sepoy uprising in 1857 in India or the British-Russian wars in Afghanistan cost Britain a lot of money and men. Since 1870 tensions have been built up in Europe over colonies. We should stay out of it for the safety of the United States.
Today, I think we should not focus on being an imperialist country. It would end in war and other countries would maybe get involved. We also have to consider that over 100 years ago there were no such thinks like nuclear weapons. I think wars nowadays are very cruel and destroy our world. We should try to live in peace.
I feel that back in 1898 it would have been best for us to choose option 1 since we needed to look and feel that we were in control of the world. Brittan was much bigger then us back then and they were the super power that we are now. Also the Philippines are a big part of territory in which I feel that we needed. Also we needed to control some part of the Philippines to spread the democracy. For present day I feel that we should continue to be option 1 because, we are not trying to control people, were just trying to help people be a democracy. And I feel we should continue to control the Philippines, just for the sake of land, control, and power. We are also the present day superpower of the world. That is why I feel that option 1 would be the best option for both time periods.
In 1898, I think that if we were to of taken over the Philippines, it would of changed the image that we have today. While it would of increased our ability to trade with China and Japan to make us even economically stronger, it might of set the tone of us becoming an imperialist nation. So I think that the option that was best for the U.S at the time was to just help the Philippines and let them run their own country with our help. I also would of moved some kind of American company to trade things back and forth with China and the U.S but without taking over their land completely. Today, I think gaining more territory is a bad idea. We already have a large problem today with a seven trillion debt and poverty stricken land in our borders. Expanding territory would cause more responsibility for more people and running more places that we cannot afford to help out. We should bring ourselves out of the hole before we’re able to expand ourselves.
During 1898, I think the best option for America at that point in time was to expand their territory into the Philippines. I think the reason for this is because the U.S was in its own little shell before and to go along with the times they needed to crack open its shell and expand into the new world so they could trade with other countries. Today, I think the best option is to walk away from everything and not expand an empire. We do not have the money, our economy is going down, and we cannot risk more war. We do not have the money because we already have 60 military bases spread around the world. All of them cost money and I think they are a waste of time and people.
I think back in 1898 the U.S. would want to get full control of the Philippines (option 1). We just got over a war with the Spanish over the Philippines and without taking control of them they are in a bad position. They could easily be taken over by another country such as France, Germany, and Japan. The islands of the Philippines is a great value to all of these countries including us. With control over the Philippines we gain control over the Manila harbor. This is the gateway to trade with the Asian market. With this we are able to compete with their market and be known as a power in this world. If we don’t take full control over them they could set up their own government and not want us to even have the harbor so we cant take the risk of letting that happen. For the 2nd part of the question I think that America today would also want option 1 because it gives us a chance to spread democracy throughout the world. We could show them are values and beliefs by governing them. We also would gain more territory and land and be able to compete in other markets. And right now we know how important a good economy is so it would play a big help if we were able to do this. Overall in both time periods I think that option 1 would best suit the needs for America.
In 1898 I fell that are best decision would be option 1 because the Philippines were weak after the war because they really had no army to protect them. If they did have an army to protect them then they would try to fight off the Spanish but they had to wait America come help them. If we keep Philippines then we could trade with china and other countries with cheaper labor and cheaper goods and that would expand our world affairs. We would also build a naval base, so we would have the biggest and the best navy. We would also make them a demarcate country so we could use them as allies. If we had the Philippines on our side then maybe we wouldn’t have to drop the atomic bomb on Japan because we would have a naval base there to threaten them. Maybe our economy would be better because they had some resources we could use or used to help. That is why we should have taken the Philippines over.
Well in 1898 the best thing for America would have been to keep the
Philippine because we probably would have had better business with all of
Asia,because if keep control of all of the philippines would be better
than just taking ovr one port because if we took over the whole country
we would more ports to sell our goods into Asia. By doning that we might
of had more money than we do now and probably would not be in this crisis
that we are in today.
Now I dont think it would be smart to have the Philippins because of the
worls in Iraq and that wouls cost evenmore money that we dont have at
this moment, and if we did we would probably go bankrupt (that may be
exaderating)but we would lose alot of money. Then if we keep the
Philippines and the people there strated a rebelin i dont know if we
would have enough soliders to help in war with Iraq and stop the rebelins
in the philippins, and if we did who or what wouls be protceting us The
U.S.A from terrist attack and any other country that did not like us. So
no I dont think we would keep the Philippines today, but back then in
1898 maybe.
1. in 1898 i think option one was better, but only because we didnt have have the fifty states and we thought we needed more land. Also the Philippines were weak after the spanish war and needed some help in order to get back on their feet. If we gave them our government they would have a stable foundation and maybe later would be able to create their own branch of government based upon ours.
2. today i think that option two is better. America really needs to learn to stop interfeering into other people affairs. Countries already believe we are an empire, or becoming one. The U.S. is also already involved in an international affair with Iraq and we don't need to get into more problems. America also is in debt to just about every country and we definately don't want to owe MORE countries MORE money.
1. In 1898 I think that the United States’ best option would be to take full control of the land, and commence the building of an empire. If we (the US) did that, it would open up many opportunities for us, including benefits to the economy and military, two very important things. Another reason supporting this option is that we get to expand our territory even further, which was the main reason for the first expansion of the United States. However, negativity was that other countries might look down on us, with the expression that we were too much of a world power.
2. In today’s world, option 3 would probably work out the best, for several reasons. For one, the world would think of us as a respectable country, but not as a world power. We would spare many lives choosing this option, and the US would have a ransom type deal, in the fact that we have control over the country, but we don’t actually rule it.
Option three states the United States should establish a protectorate in only manila and not the rest of the Philippines. In 1898 this option would suit the U.S the best, because manila is strategically located near the Asian continent. Which will lead to more markets for are goods and services without taking over the Philippine government. Option 1 believed the U.S. should maintain control of the Philippines and take on the role as an empire. This would not be good for the U.S. because it put a drain on are government and offer little economic advantages. Today in the U.S. I think option three still applies best. The U.S wants to keep the military bases they have and still have countries that are sympathetic to them. The U.S. wants to have the benefits of owning a country, like having more markets for are goods and services to help improve are economy. Without having to be empire builders, and still be on good terms with other countries.
Tessa Dickson, Hour2
In 1898, I think the best option for Amercia would be for us to walk away from a potential empire. There is no reason for us to try to take over anything. We are already strong enough. This just makes it worse. Today we should only take part of it which is option three. We still should not try to become one of the strongest countries in the world. We already have alot of enemies and countries that hate us. Using option one could potentially start a war with us. Option two wouldn't benefeit us in any way. So I think Option three is the best choice.
During the debates, I represented, and defended, option 2. Though I do believe that it is not right to force our views on other countries, or use scientific racism to fuel the notion that white I supreme, I do believe that in 1898 it was appropriate for the United States to annex the Philippines. The way I see it, the United States was simply trying to put forth an image of power to the surrounding powers of that time. This includes Japan, Britain, etc. Along the way they became an imperialist power. But if the purpose was to strengthen the American name, I think it would not have been as bad. Whether this was the reason or not, the United States should not have tried to take over another country without their consent and tried to impose its views on that country. So I think Option 1 would be the best in the past. As for the present… I would have to choose Option 2. America has already been established as a superpower around the world. We have no other reason to invade and take over another country, except for pure greed.
Us History Blog- Kyle Gray
1). I strongly agree with option 3. Option 3 is good but option 1 and 2 have the most flaws. With option 1, the colonizing of all those islands would be super difficult. The distance was huge back then and im not even sure if we even knew the lay of the land. Option 2 was very weak. Without any ports or land in Asia, we are loosing out. We could be making huge trade with countries like China, India and Austrailia. Option 3 is the best because it puts little pressure on the Philippines, and it opens us up to tons of trade. Looking at other students blogs, option 2 seems pretty bad, option 1 seems ok but I think option 3 was the best.
2). Today, I think option 3 would also be the best. We have drawn a lot of fire for invading Iraq. I think If we had tried to get a port or a small annex just to have our presence would have been a good option. Also, I think we need an island by Asia now, with the threats of china, Russia and North Korea.
I think that in 1898 option three would have been the best for America, because that way we would still establish a presence, but we wouldn’t have to seem as much of an imperialist power. This would reduce our enemies, but increase our economy. Under option 2 we wouldn’t have improved our businesses and economy, and under option one we would have gained many enemies, and been ruling as a dictatorship. I think that this way, by having an in-between course of action we could get the benefits of both and avoid the negatives. I think that if we were to relate these options to today, option 3 would still be the best. I think that this would be the best course of action now as well because of the same reasons. We would want to help improve our trade, economy and military. We would also want to avoid conflicts with other countries. I think that back then and today are similar, and the best solutions to these problems are the same now and then.
In 1898 I think the best option for the U.S would be option 2, and to walk away from the empire and not take it over. I think that if we did take over the empire it would ruin and change the way that people look at the United States today. Our country would have an image of imperialism. Though it would give other trading options in different countries, it would not benefit us in the end because of everyone who thinks we are an imperialist nation and would no longer want to trade goods with us. It would be invading in another countries territory, and we would be hypocrites for becoming raged in countries that invade us when we are doing the same thing, Today, I think the best option would be option 3. I think this would be a way of not invading but at the same time it is opening us up to trade and gaining more money. We could allow the Filipinos to self govern the harbor of Manila, which would allow them to benefit off of this also. I think it is a way to help our country without hurting or abusing the way the Philippians govern their country.
I do not think that in 1898 taking over the Philippines would have been a good idea. This is because there were way too many risks behind this action that a lot of people weren't thinking about. Who was going to pay for all of this? What if it only caused more economic hardship? What if it caused more conflicts with other countries? There were too many long-term outcomes that could have damaged our country as a whole. Another thing is that ruling over a country without their consent is unconstitutional, even if we were only ruling over just Manila. It would have been one thing if the Philippines wanted to be under another countries rule, but chances are they didn't. America and Britain decided for the Philippines that one of them was going to rule. The Philippines didn't even have a say. These countries simply assumed that since they had white skin they could rule wherever they wanted, but that's not true in the least. I think that if we continue to gain more territory as America now, we will only end up with more enemies than land. Other countries already think were up to no good; we even have terrorists bombing our country to protest against us. By gaining more land, it may be true that we might benefit economically, but it is also true that we might not. America is a big country already, and we can't even manage what we have. Expanding has a huge chance of creating more debt, which is never a good thing. All in all, I think that America expanding its territory is a bad idea, and the constitution agrees with me.
In my opinion, taking over the Philippians was the best option for the Americans. I believe that by creating an empire there and setting our ideas there benefited both Americans and the people of the Philippians. We set out businesses and naval bases there which allows us a stopping point for ships going to Australia and opens up easier trade with Asia. For the Filipinos, our businesses will bring great profit to their country and our ideas in farming and industry can open up jobs and lives for many people who don’t have those things. Today, if we continue to gain territory, I think that we would need to take option 3’s method. This is because as America one of the worlds super powers, and if we were to continue to take land then the rest of the world might think we are trying to take it over. But if we set up ports or bases in parts of the land instead of taking the entire country, then we would be showing that it’s not the country that we want but its resources.
I think that option two saying that we just need to walk away from the Philippians was the best option. I think this because if we walk away then we do not have to use all of our money for their country when we can use it for our country to make it better. Also that it will benefit our country so we will not fight them and they will not be upset with our country and may even help our country. One downside to this option is that walking away will not resolve anything for both countries. It will still leave all the problems, if any problems at all, and will not benefit us. Another important reason I chose this option is because you cannot just rule another country without their consent. And if they do not want to be taken over and ruled by the U.S then we cannot change their minds. I think that before we start to resolve other countries problems we should work on our own problems.
In 1898. taking the Philippines would have been the best decision for America. If the Philippines were to have an abundance of natural resources, then that would be very beneficial to us today because some resources are very valuable. Controlling the Philippines would have been our gateway to free trade with China and other Asian countries because we would have established our presence there. Overtaking the Philippines would be a small tax the government would need to put into place, but in the long run it would pay off, helping the economy and creating jobs. I believe the same for today because setting up naval bases and businesses overseas helps insure our safety and overseas workers work for less, making products sold in America cheaper. Being the only superpower, if the U.S. was not to take over the Philippines, another large nation such as China would step in, and they soon could become a superpower as well, surpassing the American economy and possibly military. Also, the threat of another possible superpower becoming our enemy could lead to another expensive world war.
Blog #5
I think that option two would have been best for the United States in 1898. The United States wasn’t ready to become imperialist. Our economy was still on the rise from the depression. The government and the army wouldn’t have been able to successfully carry the burden of taking over the Philippines. Option three provides the compromise between taking total control and from giving up allies or trade. So by setting up a presence in the port of Manila the Unites states could open several important trade connections with Asia, but conserve it’s democratic ideals.
However in today’s standards I believe that it would be best to go with option two. The economy in America has suffered greatly from the war in Iraq. Also the Unites States would have to recruit thousands of solders to go to the Philippines. This would only worsen the economy because so many people would have to leave work to go fight. Also the other world powers would not agree with us taking over another country. Not only because of money and trade but because of how hypocritical that would look. The president preaches about spreading democracy but turns around to invade someone halfway around the world.
I think the best solution for America in 1898 would be to walk away from being an empire. I think this because it is really costly to the people of America. Also who would pay for it because it is really expensive. Another thing is that the taxes would really jump and people might not be able to pay them if they jumped really high. It also would not be fair if we just walked in and took over the Manila harbor. Another one is that a country can rule another country without their consent. It is written right there in the constitution.
Today, I think that we sound not be an imperialist country. I think this because we have our own problems right now. Like the economic. The markets are not doing well. The housing market is terrible and people are losing their jobs. Also we might go into some other war if we wanted to expand our borders.
Faith Perrenoud
4th Hour
In 1898, the best option for our country regarding our relationship with the Philippines would have been option 3, to keep position of only the Manila Harbor. This would be the best option because of our country’s financial state at the time. We had just suffered the depression of 1893 and to keep position of full separate country is very costly. To stay in business with the Philippines would be a much better plan for we would profit from the trade enormously. Without the extra burden of the Philippines hanging over our shoulders, we as a country would be able to focus more on getting ourselves back on our feet. This option would also be best for our country now. We are facing an entirely new financial crisis now and it is best that we focus on ourselves again. Also with the war in Iraq we are losing so much money that to put anymore of it into another country would be very bad for our economy.
In 1898 I think the best answer would have been the option that takes over the Philippines because that way we would have complete control over them until they are stable enough to be on there own. By taking them over, we could help create a stable government and laws that the citizens would live from. By having these, it could show them what it's like to have a government and laws that people actually abide by. The best option today would be to just walk away from the situation because, people in America are already struggling as it is, we don't want to loose more money now by supporting another country. But if we could gain more territory then we should take it over cause we would have more land to control. I still think that the best way to have a successful relationship with the Philippines, we should show them how to provide for themselves and a successful government.
I think the America should have stayed in the Philippines because that would expand our government and economic power. So I am with option 1. Option 1 would be so much better for us because that would get us closer to China and Japan. America could create a Naval base, a military head quarters, and so much other things. Also, since the Philippines’ army is not that strong, we could also help them out with that.
I think that if America was still in control of the Philippines, that could give us just another trading partner, and also we might even be closer to China as allies. If we took control of the Philippines back in 1898, we also might have even convinced China to become a democracy instead of still being a communist nation. - Nate Zakaria
In 1898, I think that the best option for America would be option 2, which is not taking an imperialist path whatsoever. I think this is the best option for a multiple reasons. One reason is that it is morally wrong, and this is the most important. It is against the constitution to govern a group of people without their consent. If we just went into the Philippines and took over and governed them, our country would be hypocritical and we would be going against our own constitution. Another reason is that taking over a country like the Philippines would have caused conflict between the U.S. and other imperialist nations. There were other countries at the time that wanted the Philippines just like us. This could have ruined foreign relations and allies with other nations. If we continue to gain more territory today, I still think that option 2 is the best option. The U.S. cannot put out an image of being hypocritical. We need to stick to our morals and do what is truly right and let other countries govern themselves. I am in favor of helping other countries get a government started, but after that is done, the country should be left alone to govern itself.
1. In 1898, which option do you think was best for America? Why?
In 1898 i think it be best to walk away from the empire because they didn't want the united states to rule over them. Also The Filipinos had become suspicious of the motives of the United States in going to the Philippines. They stopped by the Americans from entering Manila after its fall. So if they wont let them they should just walk away from the empire b/c you cant rule over a country with out another's consent.so in 1898 i think it'd be best to just not control any of it.
2. And now, which option do you think would be best for America today if we continue to gain more territory?
Now i think it would be best to the do Option 2 and only control the manila bay so we would make money and control some of the ports with out controlling a country that didn't wanna be controlled.
In 1898, I think the best option for the United States would be option 2, to only take control of the port of Manila and use it to our advantage for business purposes. Back then, the country wasn’t very big, and they were still trying to grow economically and politically. Taking the burden of the entire Philippines at that time would be too big of a challenge for a country that is still developing. If they only took the port, they would have an increasingly smaller area to control, and their economy would benefit from all of the trade that could take place through Manila. For today, the best option would be option 2 as well. We could still use the port for advantages in business but with our economy and the state that it’s in right now, I don’t think that we can afford as a country to take control of an entire new country.
I think that option two is the best because it increases trade without causing any additional majhor problems especially because we have just finished a war with spain and are in no position to fight anyone again, so taking a keeping just the manilla harbor could provide a good way to increase trade even and make back our loses. If we were going to take over more countrys i would have to go for option 1 because if we are trhrowing away american standards by taking more countrys then why not start an imperialism so its easier to take form a larger army and take the countrys.
In 1898 I believe that the best option for us back then was to take capture of the entire archipelago and establish ourselves as a global power and comepete with the Britians and such. It would have helped us in so many ways including economy wise, power spread, and militarily. Now in the year 2008 it is best to not take anything on, port or country. Our state in the U.S right now is very bad in many ways. Economically we are having a crisis and also in many other areas as well. Taking on another big faacilty like a port or rather a country would be over the top and ridiculous right now.
1. I think that option 3 is the best option for may reason. If the the USA in the 1898 would have kept the Philipine Islands then the Philipinens might feel threatened by and might even want to revolt which may conclude to a small war which is what the USA does not need. With option 2, if we completly walked away from building an empire then we might lose exportation and importation of goods and resources. We might also lose lot's of consumers. So if the USA just walked away compltelty from growing it would not be good. 0tion 3 is the best because we still have proporty on the Philipine Islands so that we still have importation & exportation of goods and resources and we still have consumers that we can reach.
2. Today i think Option 3 still because we still have Alaska which has alot of resources and if we still have the Manila Harbor then we still have the importation & exportation of goods and resources and we can still reach the consumers we have over there.
1. I think that in 1898, the best option for America would have to be Option 1 because back then, at that time, we were just starting to expand our empire and imperialism, so expanding into the Philippines would just make sense back then. We were starting to “show our muscles” by gaining all of this land so we would probably want to show off more by gaining the Philippines as well. But, I think that if we did take over the Philippines that, obviously, the world would not be the way that it is today.
2. I think that today, the best option for America would have to, also, be Option 1 because today we are trying to educate the world and expand the American way of living, so I think that the best way to do that would have to result in the United States taking over the Philippines. It would not only help us get our point across that we’re trying to help and educate the world, but it would give us more opportunities economically, politically, and physically.
In 1898 the best choice that the united states could have done was to take over the phillipeans. If you just take over the port, they could just revolt and we could lose a lot of boats and lives. In option 2 we could not be able to trade with Idia, china , and japan as easy if we dont have control of the port. The united states would do the right thing by taking over the phillpeans even if they get accursed by imperilism.
The United states nowadays would not take over the phillpeans because we do not need it for anything. The other countries would prob gain up on us and take us down if we take over the island.
Kyle Dewald
In 1898, yes. Now, no. The U.S. could use more territory for trade and economic stability in other countries. The U.S. has been known now and then for having the most powerful and largest Army and Navy in the world. It would be beneficial because no other country would risk going to war and causing an economic depression in their homelands. It would also be good for the U.S. because we can provide economic stability in the Philippines and also create a government of democracy for them. This could provide better trade routes for the U.S. to get to Asia and other countries that we have trade agreements with. By taking control of the Manila Bay we could spread American influences and also keep other countries from coming in and try to spread their traditions of government. In 1898, the U.S. was more economically stable and prepared to spread the influences of the American people.
Chris Harris
Alexandra S., Second hour
I think in both situations, having an empire is a bad move to make on America's end. One reason being is it goes against everything the U.S.A is supposedly built on. Why would we go into another country, and show them the right, American way of life? But, the American mentality is some-what based on hypocrisy. The "first" Americans did it, so why should it be any different now or back then? They came here, and took the country from the Native Americans, then the Philippines, and now we have maybe not so much as a physical presence in the countries that we invade, but more of an empire by proxy. We support certain leaders, and government systems. They become dependent on us, and we are the puppet master, and the government [official] is our poor, misused,and naive puppet.
1) I think back then the best choice would be option 3 because at that time I don’t think we needed to take over all of the Philippines because we just got out of an economic crash like we are having now. And if we were to invade all of the Philippines what if it didn’t work out? We would lose all of the money we invested. Option #3 would be the best because we are not spending as much money taking over the whole country we are only taking over a manila harbor. Manila will be good because we can use it as a refueling station for our ships and a base for some of our troops. That’s why I think option #3 is the best choice for that time period.
2) At this point in our economy if we were to invade another country it would be the dumbest thing to do, we would waist so much money and the land would be worthless. So if we just go with option #1 we won’t risk wasting all of our money or starting another war if other countries get mad at us.
Alex C. - 2nd Hr.
In 1898 the best option for America was option #2 because if they steered clear of imperialism they would avoid conflicts with other foreign powers with option 1. That being said if we did take control of the Philippines and establish a military base there we could have possibly “stirred” up other foreign powers maybe making us seem as a possible threat and had multiple conflicts with them. Also option #3 would not have been best for America in 1898 because establishing a port in manila would benefit with marketing advantages, but however what if rebel’s would attack the port taking it over harming Americans? And now today the best option for America today is to steer clear of imperialism to avoid future foreign conflicts, and continue to stay isolated from foreign affairs to prevent any serious unforeseen consequences. Overall option #2 is the best option for American from 1898 till today because if we steer clear of imperialism we will not be challenged with other foreign affairs.
In 1898 I feel that walking away was Americas best decision. I feel this way because if they walk away because if they didn’t they would rule over them. Option 2 felt that America needed to walk away from the potential empire that we were about to grab ahold of at that time. They didn’t really need to take over anything because we were strong to begin with. It seems like America is just being greedy and wants to have everything. What option do you think would be best for America today if we continue to gain more territory? I choose option 3 it says the main idea of keeping the important harbor of Manila in the Philippines only, but not the rest of the archipelago. This option would be best for America today because it would be keeping the important land and we would be more business centered instead of military or war.
In 1898, I think that option 3 would be the best. I think this because we are not taking over the country without their consent but we are still benefitting and taking our chance to have this great economic opportunity. This will also be gaining money for the Philippines so we are not the only ones benefitting. I think it would be best for the Philippines to form their own government. We should help them, but not base their government on the way ours is, not everyone there wants democracy like in the United States. If this were today, then I would say option 2, because we really don’t have the money or time to be doing any of these things with the war going on in Iraq and other problems in our country. I think we should just leave the Philippines alone and try to focus on how to help our own country.
1) In 1898 I think that they would’ve chosen Option 1 because I think back then they would’ve had a more conservative way of doing things. They would’ve chose to do this because in their opinion it would’ve been the best because it was there way of protecting and kind of controlling the people but still getting what they think America needs, more places to trade with.
2) I think that in present day Option 3 would be the best because it’s the way to keep everyone happy. That way Japan and Europe wouldn’t be upset with us and we’d still get what we need. We really don’t need more enemies and it would be a stupid thing to do something knowing that other countries would be upset with us for doing this. America is thought of as controlling at times and that is not a good thing to be known for. We want people to respect us and know that we do things with everyone’s best interest at heart.
In 1898 option 1 would have been the best idea because we were still trying to establish ourselves as world power economically and physically. If we would take the whole country over then we would, one have more land for military and other things, and two we would have their businesses which would boost our economic power. We would control exporting and importing prices, and we would have more workers in America to produce to export more. If we made a profit, then we would be the richest country in the world. If we got more land then we could send troops to the islands and set up many bases.
In today’s world option 2 would be the best because if we invaded them and took over the whole country or just the port another country would come to their aid and stand up for them and this could possibly start a war between countries. Also the Philippines would be able to stand up for themselves more in the modern day.
1. In 1898, I think the best option would be option two. I think option three would be the best to do at that time because the U.S. was only one hundred years old of having independence. We were not ready to take over another country and form an empire like Great Britain, even though Britain had many countries in their possession oppose to just one for the U.S. Even though it would have been one small little country, I still think it would be too much for us to handle because our country has many problems to handle itself. Also, we knew what it was like to be under control and would hypocritical for us to do the same to another country, after only one hundred years of independence.
2. I think if we continued to gain more territory now, taking over this country would still not be a great idea. I think option two would be the best again. Like said from before, it would still be hypocritical. We do not necessarily need to gain more control over countries, even if the country is struggling. I think it would be best to just help out the country in as many ways as we can rather than using our military forces to country this place. Even though things have changed a lot since 1898, I think it is the same deal. The U.S. has too many problems to be thinking about more territory. We should take care of our country first, and then look at our options.
For both 1898 and now i would still have to agree with opinion number two. I say this because Imperialism wouldnt work out for either time periods. If a grounp of people i wasnt familiar with came up and decided to change my religion (to christianity) i probably would agree with it. Most people back then and now wouldnt just go for something like that. Their would obviously be agruments. Also for now days since the economy has gone down so very much the people should do the right thing and just walk away from the empire. I think this not only because its the right thing to do, also because it would be extreamly costly. People back then were not making nearly enough money to be able to afford things.
The option I most agree with about American Empire is Taking control of Manila, which is option 3. I chose taking over Manila because it is the smartest and best decision out of the three given. Taking control of Manila will give us so many more naval bases and fueling stations over seas, this will advance our commercial and trading services around that part of the world. Having Manila’s harbor will also give us easier access to Chinese markets, and more exports will go into the Chinese market. Controlling Manila will give America a presence will build foreign policy with China and the rest of Asia. Having Manila’s harbor we can build strength to slowly expand our power and influence. America needs to have a little Empire, but can’t just sit back and not do anything with the rest of the world, so that’s why I chose and believe option 3, Controlling Manila is the best option.
Rob McGowan
Blog #5 which debate option do you think is best
I believe option 2 is the best option because America is not a dictatorship and if we took over the Philippines that they might say we are trying to dictate there government without there consent, I mean yes it would be kind of beneficial if we took over the harbor to help the Philippines not get invaded by Britain or Spain, but what would they think if the United States went into there territory with military and took over, they would think they are hypocrits they promote democracy but here they are trying to promote dictatorship, If America gained land today then it might be good depending on where the land is and if it is useful for trade and depending on its economy, so yeah I feel that the U.S is fine with the land we have.
Jake O.
I think option three was best for America because taking the manila harbor would allow America to trade freely with Asia and boost the economy. In addition, if we have a military presense it would discourage Briton and Japan from completely invading the Philippines. If Briton or Japan took over the Philippines America would be at a huge disadvantage militarily and if Briton or Japan decided to attack America, it would very difficult to defend ourselves from both the east and the south.
I think the best option for America if it wants to obtain more territory is also to control the manila because once America starts to obtain territory other powerful countries will quickly try to stop us. If we control only the harbor we can become economically stronger while training soldiers and creating new technology in secret. Once we become more advanced then the rest of the world we can start to obtain more territory and bring peace to the rest of the world.
I believe that in 1898, we should stay, and protect the Philippines. Without our military protection, other stronger empires, who have already taken over tons of places in Africa and Latin America, like Britain or Portugal will just take them over as well. The Philippines back then were economically weak (even though their land was filled with natural resources,) militarily weak, and needed to set up a strong democratic government. We could help them set up their economy, while boosting ours with the great access to southeastern countries like China. As far as American being an empire goes, with its naval bases and military bases around the world, the North Atlantic Treaty was implied so we can support other countries, which might not have the military power to protect themselves, to back them up if they need our help. Take what just happened in Georgia for example, when Russia wanted to take back over Georgia, who doesn’t have as strong of a military as the US, we aided. All NATO countries supported Georgia and gave them all assistance they needed to remain a sovereign country. We promote democracy, so dictators don’t keep continuing to deny freedoms and rights from citizens. In Iraq, we supported them to design, develop and create their own democracy, with their own constitution and governing laws. They held their own elections and designed their own constitution. In fact, next week we are pulling out the Marines out of Fallujah because the Iraqi military has come together and created a strong army where they have eliminated the bulk of the terrorists out of that city. So in my opinion, the US is not an empire today.
1. In 1898, which option do you think was best for America? Why?
2. And now, which option do you think would be best for America today if we continue to gain more territory?
What i think the best chose for Amricans back in 1898 was option three, keeping the important harbor of Manila in the Philippines only, but not the whole Philippines.Why do i think option three is the best? I think option three is the best because it gives us a good advantage among the trade.Building a port on the harbor of Manila gives us a easy way of reaching the Asian market, by just taking over just Manila we dont have to go through the trouble of taking of the whole ?Philippines islands,which would make us seem like a militist. This would make the U.S. seem selfish.
Now what do i think is best for America if we cotinue to take over and gain more territoy? This question involves a lot of thinking because we could just take over what we need or we could go all the way. I say take as much as possible because the world is getting smaller ande the more you have the more in come we can gain overall.
-----Sharaya Solomon 3rd hr.
I think that option 2 was the best because if you leave it alone it will nir cause alot of problems. Yes they may want to trad ewith you or want to be taken over but if you dont then you wont hev to to with the angry people.
Second if yo dont take it over then someomne elese will and might decide to take you our country over...
So i dont know it could go both ways.
Chassity T.
1. If we were in 1898 then I think that option 2 would have been the better option because the U.S. was still not completely stable, economically (especially after the 1893 depression, the U.S. was still recovering) and they needed to, first settle the economy inside their country before attempting to expand half way across the world and take over another nation. Also if we had taken them over then the prices inside the nation will go up, and that will lead to the same problem as the depression, and also the loss of life is a huge factor.
2. Still option two, and not just because my debate was about Option 2, but because the US cannot be such a hypocrite and take over other nations, while on the other hand they say that countries should be free and people should have the free rights. I mean the US can take over nations under an agreement and help them but NOT to take over other nations by force and enforcing their laws onto the country and its people.
1. In 1898 i think that option one was the best choice. Keeping the philipeans and expanding an empire. This was the best idea because it was fair that we treated them after saving them from the spanish and they were our easy acess to Asia for trade. It was a way to expand our empire and make it larger was was a good decision back then.
2. Now i believe option 2 is the best choice. It would be hypocritical for us to try to take over other countrys or nations. We believe in freedon and rights but taking over other nations is putting them under our control which may not be what they want. The US needs to let nations be and worry about America and America only.
In 1898, the option that i think was best for America was option three because it was the Philippines and we didn't have to try and take the important harbor of Manila in the Philippine. We can just have what we have in our country. We don't need to go into any other country and try and own their stuff. Option 1, that America should keep the Philippines and begin the development of an American empire. If it was be best for America today if we continue to gain more territory. Then it wouldn't be a problem and we could do that to more country's. Other countries wouldn't care because they know that we gain more territories.
1) In 1898, which option do you think was best for America? Why?
In 1898 i think America should of taken over the Philippines because lots of immigrants were coming in, and taking over another country would help the United States to keep the Philippine's population from immigrating to our country helping us stabilize our population.
2) And now, which option do you think would be best for America today if we continue to gain more territory?
Although now in America’s current condition I think it be best not to take over the Phillipean’s because we are already in war with Iraq and it would not be wise to start taking over another country. Dispersion the army’s force would not help settle both the wars that the United States would have started. For now america should just reduce the amount of immigrants allowed every year instead of taking over the Philippines or any other country.
Kyle Dewald
3rd
the best for america back in 1898 the option would have been to have control of the port of manila. i think this is the best opition because it would allow us to be able to trade with china and india and even japan much easier. If we got a treaty with the phillipeans we could avoid of being revolted against. Maybe we could not allowed terrorist attacks also. the port would allows us to put navy ships in the port and be able to get to places much faster. we could refuel there and keep going where ever they were going.
Today our best thing would to just stay isolation. We need to get a stronger econmony before we take over another country. Us invading the philippines could cause the other countries to invade us and they will bring down the world power. we dont need anymore territory we already have hundres of bases in other countries. We have the strongest military power in the world but not the strongest econmy. So we need to forcus on the weakest part of the country.
1) In 1898, which option do you think was best for America? Why?
In 1898, I think that America should have taken the Phillipines. I think that all the immigrants flooding the Philipines was okay. But some people were trying to take it, so if we stepped in, we would have had it. Then we would have more advantages to getting through to other countries and the Phillipines would help that. And also help to spread democracy.
2) And now, which option do you think would be best for America today if we continue to gain more territory?
In America, we're dealing with the war in Iraq, getting out of our debt, and a new president. There is so much going on. Were trying to fix other countries, while trying to balance our own country. I think we are trying to do to much at once. I think the best idea to do is to not grab ahold of it at the time. Maybe later when were in a okay position, it would be good for trade. But we have other ways for trade so it's not that necessary.
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