Albert Beveridge Imperialism

Words: 2244
Pages: 9

Section 1: Identification and Evaluation of Sources.

This investigation will explore the research question: “To what extent was religion the motivating factor behind the United States’ imperialism in the period of 1898 to 1920?”. American imperialism consisted of the United States utilizing its military, political, and economic might, which allowed the use of other countries to the United States’ benefit. One source that will be used in this investigation will be the speech “March of the Flag” by Albert Beveridge. This source is appropriate and relevant to the investigation because it showcases an American perspective on a political and religious reason for imperialism that will be useful to the investigation. Another source that will be used
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A value of the origin of “March of the Flag” by Albert Beveridge would be that he is a primary source and therefore reflective of the time period. A limitation of the origin would be his position in government as a senator, he lacks the personal connection to the American people and their ideals. A value of the purpose of Beveridge’s speech would be his intention of benefitting the US with expansionist ideas that further the quality of the country. The value of the content of “March of the Flag” would be the influence that Beveridge’s speech had on US citizens and the spread of the idea that it is the US citizens duty as “God’s chosen people”. A limitation of the content would be the extreme emotional charge …show more content…
Manifest Destiny was built upon the idea of “divine providence”. The Americans believed that their future was designed by God to expand itself with no limitations and that it is the “God-given duty” of the American people to enlighten those in other countries. Upon researching the United States’ foreign policy during the period of heavily focused religion, it can be posited that religion was often one of the main motivations for Americans who decided to expand. These ideas from Manifest Destiny and spreading “God’s word” played a crucial role in the reasons behind justifying United States Imperialism. Those who were proponents of expansion overseas had claimed that it was their mission from God or a divine being to spread their knowledge and ideas elsewhere, to bring peace and prosperity to other countries while also helping others to flourish. Motivational speeches given to the citizens of the US to promote imperialism were spoken strictly in a religious connotation. All economic and political aspects of imperialism were then covered by talks of “missions” by divine beings. Missions from the United States are not an uncommon idea. Christian protestants often expressed the desire to be able to travel overseas to spread the word of God. They wanted to be able to control the land so that the foreign inhabitants could be enlightened to Christian beliefs and practices,