Question

Write an essay on this question: Analyze the consequences of the American rule in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines. Did the citizens prosper? Enjoy freedom? Accept American rule? Comment on the consequences for the United States with regard to the statement by Eric Foner in the text: "Thus, tow principles central to American freedom since the War of Independence-no taxation without representation and government based on the consent of the governed- were abandoned when it came to the nation's new possesions."

Answer 1

In the USA the rule was negative in these territories due to poverty and oppression in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines. In April 1898, under the guise of helping Cuban compatriots to fight for "liberty and freedom," the United States declared war on Spain. The people of America hoped for freedom, freedom and equality, but instead found a new oppressor. The United States only wanted to expand its empire and trading with Asia and never tried to integrate the territories with the United States. The oppression and poverty had a negative impact on these areas.

The USA declared war against Spain to show the world that it had become an imperial power in the Americas and had increased its influence. The United States had refused to influence American countries by the European authorities since the Monroe Doctrine of 1823. However, the US was nevertheless still considered to be a second-rate power for Europe and was even shut down one of its embassies in Turkey in 1880 because it was not seen as important (pg 664). The United States wanted to change this and in 1898 took this opportunity to struggle with Spain when the American Maine battleship in Havana Harbor was destroyed. The US went to war with the intention of helping its Cuban compatriots fight for "freedom and freedom," but it would eventually annex not just Cuba, but Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam.

The people in these new territories would not experience US liberty but oppression. McKinley forced the new government to approve the Platt Amendment to the Islands before allowing the Cuban independence. This means that, whenever it fits, the USA intervenes militarily. Furthermore, in Cuba, they acquired a permanent marine station. The Foraker Law of 1900 would eventually turn Puerto Rico into a 'insular territory.' That means that Puerto Ricans were citizens of Puerto Rico, not the United States, and that for an indefinite period of time the United States government could govern. The Philippines was also subject to a similar destiny, and these countries would finally be ruled as they had before during the Spanish rule by the elite and plantation owners.

American rule led to adverse consequences for these countries because of oppression and poverty. The statement of Eric Foner shows how America disregarded the principles of its own foundation in the pursuit of power and empire. The only negative consequences of poverty and oppression were the people of the territories and a voice was denied in the US administration. This is quite similar to the previous events in the original 13 American colonies and in Britain except that the oppressor was a pioneer of freedom and freedom and not a traditional monarchy in this situation.