Why do you think American Imperialism stirred debate?

Why do you think American Imperialism stirred debate?

This is an exercise in ethics and civics.

The United States, like many industrial nations, entered into a new race for colonies at the end of the nineteenth century (the Age of High Imperialism). The Europeans squared off in a Scramble for Africa, the United States and Japan were vying in the Pacific, and everyone was carving up spheres of influence in Asia. While the United States did create a formal empire and expand its informal empire over Latin America during this time, the concept of American Empire stirred quite a bit of debate.

Prompt: Why do you think American Imperialism stirred debate? Which side of the issue (imperialist or anti-imperialist) had the best argument? (for this latter, do not use presentist (looking at the past from our own perspective in the early 21st century) arguments – use the reasoning of the time when considering your response).

In your answer, you must provide a clear thesis statement (which states your position as to which side had the best argument). You must discuss both formal and informal empire and address both the pro- and anti-positions, must include a minimum of TWO primary sources (from which you pull evidence and analyze in a meaningful way), and you must utilize specific and detailed historical facts (which can be specific people, events, places, or ideas/concepts).

Be sure to properly cite using Turabian/Chicago style FOOTNOTES