Anti-Imperialist League

Definition

The Anti-Imperialist League was an organization formed in the United States in 1898 to oppose the country's imperialist policies and the annexation of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. The league advocated for anti-imperialist principles and sought to limit the United States' expansion of power and influence overseas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Anti-Imperialist League was founded in 1898 in response to the United States' acquisition of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War.
2. The league's members included prominent political and intellectual figures, such as Mark Twain, Andrew Carnegie, and Jane Addams, who opposed the idea of the United States becoming an imperialist power.
3. The league argued that the annexation of the Philippines violated the principles of self-determination and democracy, and that the United States should not become a colonial power like the European nations.
4. The league's efforts to prevent the annexation of the Philippines were ultimately unsuccessful, as the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris in 1899, which ceded the Philippines to the United States.
5. The Anti-Imperialist League continued to advocate for anti-imperialist policies and criticize the United States' overseas expansion throughout the early 20th century.

Review Questions

• Describe the key goals and principles of the Anti-Imperialist League.
  • The Anti-Imperialist League was formed to oppose the United States' imperialist policies and the annexation of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. The league advocated for anti-imperialist principles, arguing that the United States should not become a colonial power and that the annexation of the Philippines violated the principles of self-determination and democracy. The league's members, which included prominent political and intellectual figures, sought to limit the United States' expansion of power and influence overseas.
• Explain the relationship between the Anti-Imperialist League and the Spanish-American War.
  • The Anti-Imperialist League was formed in direct response to the United States' acquisition of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. The league opposed the idea of the United States becoming an imperialist power and argued that the annexation of the Philippines was a violation of the principles of self-determination and democracy. The league's efforts to prevent the annexation of the Philippines were ultimately unsuccessful, as the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris in 1899, which ceded the Philippines to the United States. The league continued to advocate for anti-imperialist policies and criticize the United States' overseas expansion throughout the early 20th century.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Anti-Imperialist League's activities on U.S. foreign policy and the country's role as a global power.
  • While the Anti-Imperialist League's efforts to prevent the annexation of the Philippines were unsuccessful, the league's activities had a lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy and the country's role as a global power. The league's vocal opposition to imperialism and its advocacy for anti-imperialist principles helped to shape public discourse and debate around the United States' overseas expansion. This, in turn, influenced the country's approach to foreign policy and its involvement in international affairs in the 20th century. The league's legacy can be seen in the ongoing debates and discussions around the United States' role as a global power and the ethical implications of its foreign policy decisions. The league's principles and arguments continue to resonate with those who are critical of American imperialism and the country's exercise of power on the global stage.

Related terms

Imperialism:

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often by acquiring new territories or establishing economic dominance over other nations.

Spanish-American War: A conflict in 1898 between the United States and Spain that resulted in the United States gaining control of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Annexation:

The process of incorporating new territory into an existing political entity, such as a country or state.