Hanna Gebicka
How has the U.S evolved to become a Superpower and is this status sustainable within the current international state of foreign affairs?
As we progress further into the twenty first century, it is hard to recall a single multi international conflict which didn’t involve the U.S as a key player. The status of its worldly power has become engraved in our heads as throughout our lives we learn of history and America’s involvement in the international affairs but we also often experience the impact of their decisions. Yet with the economy constantly evolving and means of production changing rapidly, it is clear that newly emerging powers are giving America a significant challenge to keep their status. Significant development of great nuclear and military powers such as North Korea really puts into perspective how fragile and fearful U.S foreign direction really is. Previously outspoken and fighting behind the “democracy for all” smoke screan, America is now seeking an alignment with western powers as it cannot fight it’s battles alone any longer.
George Waashington finalised his years of presidency with a wish for a time when his country could “possess the strength of a Giant and there there will be none who can make us afraid” (Kaufman 1996). Little did he know, two hundred years later at the dawn of the 19th century we would call his nation a worldly superpower. Coming from a background of idealists and pluralists, the settlers came with an intention of creating the new ultimate nation. With endless possibilities within their reach, there began a period of creation and manifestation of great ideas and dreams. Most memorably, Thomas Payne, a political and idealogical revolutionary spoke of the key princimples of humankind. He preched the idea of having the “power to begin the world over again”. This clearly provides the basis of idea of the new world. The use of the word itself also gives the impression of the egocentric politics of the settlers as much as the intentions were good. What Paine also brings to my attention is his perception on conflict. Beeing one of the thirteen founding fathers of the American Revolution it was he who publicized many political pamphlets which would then have a huge ipact upon the creation of the holy American Constitution. On the subject of the American Revolution and their involvement fighting for independence with a conflict Paine said “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph”. This sectence has a much more applicable understanding than just the fight with the British and their Parliament for soverginty of the new world. Conflicts such as Vietnam or Iraq are great examples of the scale and huge involvement upon international conflict by the American leaders.
The build up to the famous year of 1898 was of great importance. Prior to to the international conquests there was a vast territorial expansion within the US itself. From the Louisiana purchase of 1803 to the Mexican Cession of 1848, the US showed great interest in increasing their territorial presence. This time aslso provided us with some foresight about just how dedicated they were to their presence within he Americas killing off many millions of Native Americans and finally relocating them into isolated preservations. This evidently shows that the US was determined to make their means by all means necessary. This fact is really visible within the politics and international relations of today. These times also bought a significant numbr of political publications cretated to protect Amerca’s standing fr independence within its sphere of influence in the Western Hemisphere. At his 1823 annual message to the Congress, President Monroe established a policy called the Monroe doctrine. In essense, he spoke of the western powers recognizing Americans Sphere of influence aong the western hemisphere as respectfully theirs. He also stated that they should refrain from any involvent within the territory.
This again showed great significance of the US within the international map of power and further deepened their path to becoming a Giant.
During the land seizure most of the American population was deeply divided as to whether they should expand into the atlantic and pacific oceans. This started as a major debate after the civil war. Many thought that with the conflict occurring, the country should concentrate on iternal isues rather than seeking expansion. This was mostly promoted by th post war secretary of state William Seward who stated that “all prosperous nations must expand”. This followed with the purchase of Alaska from the Russian Empire. However, with a large number of congressmen still retaining isolationsit views, Sewards efforts to buy Iceland and Greenlad have been totally blocked by Congress. This was due to the longstanding resentment to the imperialist colonisations by the British Empire. With the government divided, it was much harder to argue the expansionist flight and many checks and scruitinies were put in place towards future conquests.
This division merged slightly with the most significant process of development in America. By the end of the 19th century cam ethe industial revolution. From 1875 to 1895, the industrial index grew rapidly creating an extrodinary economic boom. This was one of the reasons for the shift towards a more cetralised government in order to manage this growth. This granted much more power in the government and made it considerabley easier for expansionist leaders such us President McKinley to execute his expansionist ideas. This brings us back to 1898 and the war with Spain over Cuba. This has immence importance within the American superpower title development. The US have easily fought off the Spanish empire gaining military and territorial significance within the eyes of the world. In the process of their victory they have also gained Guam, Perto Rico and the Philippines. Within the two substeuent years the US also gained control over Hawai, Wake Island and the American Samoa.
It’s presense in the South American territory had began with the taking over of the Panama canal development in 1904. Working alongside the nationals, Americans provide funding machinery consequently proving their power over the Spanish and French empires who previously failed to create this development. The gran dopening of 1914 resulted ina much improved trading system and significantly cut down the time of ships traveling bwtwwe the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. All these factors resulted in the global acknowledgement of America as a Global power. Howeever they did not stop there. In order to improve their military and commercial status America got involved in further territories. They established their military presense in Nicaragua but also started a great trade venture of the Open Door diplomatic policies with China. The purpose of these wasn’t only the improved trade, it was most importantly the growth of American spheere of influence towards the eastern empires.