Empire And Migration

Discuss how US overseas expansion influenced the character of the nation. How did the authors from this week's readings link the concepts of immigration/migration and empire? How did US encounters in Asia and later with Asian immigrants influence the nation?

Full Answer Section

      US overseas expansion also helped to promote the idea of American individualism and self-reliance. Americans believed that they were better equipped than other peoples to govern themselves and to achieve success. Finally, US overseas expansion helped to shape the country's racial and ethnic identity. As the United States expanded into new territories, it came into contact with a variety of different peoples and cultures. This exposure to diversity helped to make the United States a more pluralistic and tolerant society. How the Authors from This Week's Readings Linked the Concepts of Immigration/Migration and Empire The authors from this week's readings linked the concepts of immigration/migration and empire in a number of ways. First, they argued that immigration and migration are essential components of empire. Empires need people to populate their colonies and to provide labor for their economies. Second, they argued that immigration and migration can also be used to control and subjugate colonized peoples. For example, empires can use immigration to create a settler class that is loyal to the empire and that can help to oppress the indigenous population. Third, they argued that immigration and migration can also be used to transform colonized societies. For example, empires can use immigration to introduce new cultures and ideas to their colonies. How US Encounters in Asia and Later with Asian Immigrants Influenced the Nation US encounters in Asia and later with Asian immigrants had a significant impact on the nation. First, US encounters in Asia helped to introduce Americans to new cultures and ideas. This exposure to diversity helped to make the United States a more pluralistic and tolerant society. Second, US encounters in Asia also helped to promote the idea of American exceptionalism. Americans believed that they were better equipped than other peoples to govern themselves and to achieve success. This belief was reinforced by the fact that the United States was able to defeat Spain in the Spanish-American War and to acquire new territories in Asia and the Pacific. Third, US encounters in Asia also had a negative impact on the nation. For example, the United States became involved in the Vietnam War, which was a costly and divisive conflict. Fourth, Asian immigrants have made significant contributions to the United States. They have enriched the country's culture and economy, and they have played a vital role in the nation's workforce. Conclusion US overseas expansion had a significant impact on the character of the nation. It helped to shape the country's identity and values, and it contributed to the rise of the United States as a global power. US encounters in Asia and later with Asian immigrants also had a significant impact on the nation. They helped to introduce Americans to new cultures and ideas, they promoted the idea of American exceptionalism, they had a negative impact on the nation (e.g., the Vietnam War), and Asian immigrants have made significant contributions to the United States. Specific Examples Here are some specific examples of how US overseas expansion and encounters with Asian immigrants influenced the character of the nation:
  • The Spanish-American War: The Spanish-American War was a turning point in US history. It helped to transform the United States from a regional power into a global power. The war also helped to promote the idea of American exceptionalism.
  • The Philippine-American War: The Philippine-American War was a brutal and costly conflict that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. The war also helped to expose the hypocrisy of American imperialism.
  • The Vietnam War: The Vietnam War was another costly and divisive conflict that had a profound impact on the United States. The war also helped to undermine the credibility of the US government and to damage the country's reputation abroad.
  • Asian immigration: Asian immigrants have made significant contributions to the United States. They have enriched the country's culture and economy, and they have played a vital role in the nation's workforce. For example, Asian Americans are disproportionately represented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Conclusion US overseas expansion and encounters with Asian immigrants have had a significant impact on the character of the nation. They have helped to shape the country's identity and values, and they have contributed to the United States' rise as a global power.  

Sample Answer

   

US overseas expansion had a significant impact on the character of the nation. It helped to shape the country's identity and values, and it contributed to the rise of the United States as a global power.

One of the most important ways that US overseas expansion influenced the character of the nation was by promoting the idea of American exceptionalism. American exceptionalism is the belief that the United States is a unique and special country with a destiny to spread its values and democracy around the world.