American Colonialism essays

American Colonialism essays When one hears the term "colonialism," thoughts turn back to the 1800s when European nations divided up countries such as Africa and imperialism reigned. However, the term is coming back into conversations during the past several years as people in the United States either fear or support the country's interventions in other countries. Depending on who is describing America's recent actions, this move toward so-called colonialism can be quite necessary and an answer to the future or one of the worst Lance Selfa in "A New Colonial Age of Empire," recaps this rising move toward colonialism over the past several years, especially after the September 11 tragedy. He stresses the increased support seen from a host of individuals as proof. For example, Max Boot, editorial features editor for the Wall Street Journal, wrote in the Weekly Standard a week after President's Bush's war in Afghanistan "Afghanistan and other troubled lands today cry out for the sort of enlightened foreign administration once provided by self-confident Englishmen in jodhpurs and pith helmets." National Review editor Richard Lowry added his support with a desire to establish a U.S.-sponsored "protectorate" over Iraq after U.S. troops oust Saddam Hussein's regime. And Sebastian Mallaby in Foreign Affairs nodded Empires are not always planned. The original American colonies began as the unintended byproduct of British religious strife. The British political class was not so sure it wanted to rule India, but commercial interests dragged it there anyway. The United States today will be an even more reluctant imperialist. But a new imperial moment has arrived, and by virtue of its power America is bound to play the leading role. However, notes Selfa, it is not only individuals from the U.S. who are supporting this push for increased interven...