Student Question
How does the ideology justifying American aggression in 1846-48 compare to that of 1896?
Quick answer:
The ideologies justifying American aggression in 1846-48 and 1896 both centered on beliefs of American superiority, including racial and societal dominance over Latin America. However, the 1896 ideology differed by incorporating the notion of the "white man's burden," suggesting a moral obligation to help the conquered peoples. This marked a shift from simply asserting superiority to justifying imperialism as beneficial for those subjugated.
There were both similarities and differences between the ideologies behind these two wars.
Both of the wars were clearly justified by the idea of American superiority. This superiority was seen both in societal and in racial terms. In other words, both wars were underpinned by the idea that Americans were racially superior to the people of Latin America and that Americans had a better society (government, religion, etc) than was present in Latin America.
The major difference is that the ideology of 1896 was more focused on the alleged need to help the people who were being conquered. There was no real idea of taking up the "white man's burden" in the conquest of Mexico. By 1896, there was clearly a felt need to justify imperialism as something that would work to the benefit of those who were conquered.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.