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Rationales for United States Imperialism

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Rationales for United States Imperialism
When thinking of the word imperialism, one may think of it as forcefully taking independence away from a country for the benefit of a more powerful country. Imperialism can be seen either positively or negatively based on the reasons and or the outcome depending on the situation. The United States imperialism began in the late 1800’s and since then, has been influencing other countries in political, economic, and cultural ways. The effects of United States imperialism have been positive in countries like Panama because of the ideal of democracy has been spread; however, Puerto Rico might view it differently. Some foreign policies also developed as a result of America’s imperialism.
The United States involvement in Panama has been both helpful and beneficial to both countries. United States initially went to Panama to build the Panama Canal because they saw it as vessel to traffic goods to build economic growth using the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. It was not that easy for the United States to do so due to Columbia’s involvement with Panama at that time. Panama was owned by Columbia and would not permit America to build much less use a canal in Panama. Panama was not pleased with Columbia ruling their country, so they allowed the United States to help them get from under Columbia’s rule in return for the passageway known today as the Panama Canal. The United States helped Panama escape the Columbian control and stayed over in Panama to build and use the canal. The United States stayed over in Panama until Panama asked for its independence because they feared that they were under too much of America’s control around 1977. Not shortly after America’s leave of absence, the dictators rose to power and Panama asked for America’s help. In 1989, the United States involvement helped overthrow Noriega (a dictator)

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