America and Panama

• One of the earliest and strongest advocates of American imperialism was Presient Teddy Roosevelt. He oversaw the building of the Panama Canal in the early 1900s. Columbia ruled Panama at the time and the United States helped them overthrow the current government in exchange for the canal. The Panamanians desired full independence and the United States obliged them in 1977, only to return in 1989 to overthrow the nation's leader, Manuel Noriega.
  
  

Puerto Rico

• The relationship between the U.S. and Puerto Rico was forged in the Spanish American War. In 1898, the United States took control of Puerto Rico from Spain and has declared it a commonwealth of the United States. Puerto Rico maintains its own democracy, but is controlled economically by America. While Puerto Rico has benefited from democracy, many Puerto Ricans feel it has no real freedom with this arrangement. For instance, America has declared superiority over Puerto Rico and is free to use its natural resources, but Puerto Ricans cannot vote in Americans elections.
  
  

Hawaii

• While many of us have enjoyed the sunny beaches and surfers of Hawaii, few of us are aware that it was taken by force and illegally annexed into the United States in 1893. American leaders saw Hawaii as a critical addition because of its access to Asia and the South Pacific. Thus, the nation sent troops there, kicked people from their homes and took control. Another cause for this act was the vast sugar crop produced in the Hawaiian Islands. A substantial import tariff was required to get sugar shipped to the United States. By annexing Hawaii and later making it a state, America was able to procure sugar much cheaper. Many native Hawaiians feel that the Americanization of their homeland has ruined their tropical islands.
  
  

American Imperialism In the New Millennium

• It is unlikely that America will take over other nations as it did in the 20th century. However, America now engages in cultural imperialism, which is the act of promoting American industry to other parts of the world. Many believe that cultural imperialism from the Americans will not affect the world in a positive way because other cultures will disappear. But as proponents are quick to point out, America is not forcing their culture on anyone.