Imperialism

Imperialism is defined by dictionary.com as "the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies."

Many people are claiming that America has become, or has always been, an imperialistic nation. From Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase, Andrew Jackson's support of Georgia in Cherokee Nation vs. Georgia, to our war in Iraq.

Now my question to everyone else is: Have we truly become imperialistic, and if so, is that a good or a bad thing?

 

Well America is holding imperialistic values in it's policies such as declaring war and its authority over other nations. Installing military and missile bases in different locations around the world to signal its authority again. But. They aren't going as far as having colonies as far as it is concerned.

 

No I do not think so, obviously all the countries we have gone to war with, or helped, we don't have them as states, or colonies at the moment do we?

 

We heavily influence much of the world, and currently have military bases in hundreds of countries.

 

Exactly. If America did colonise a state/country then it is basically declaring it holds imperialistic values. that wouldn't go well with the U.N or Nato.

 

We do have a few colonies, but just because we do not have it as a colony or a state does not mean it won't soon be. Just bolstering a military base in a peace-time country can be considered an imperialistic move.

 

I think the US wants to have all the world market for itself so it could literally control the world. I think the war in Afganistan and Iraq shows how much is oil worth to them. That's just my opinion, though those Talibans are bastards too.

 

Yes, we are an imperialistic nation; and yes, it is a good thing.

The world is dog eat dog. being a super power and being able to establish colonies within other countries is a symbol of power. Without power, a country appears weak and is, in a sense, destroyed.

It's not necessarily a good thing if you're talking about morality, but the world has lost and set aside morals for a long time.

 

The leaders of this country seem to think we are. But if we are truly imperialistic then that's bad news all around.