Umperialism

Blog – discuss this essay in relationship to the book

This pro-imperialism essay is deeply rooted in nationalism. Likely an extension of other movements at the time, particularly the Manifest Destiny, this essay encourages America to spread its government to places around the world, such as "Porto Rico", Cuba, and the Philippines. The essay does not directly advocate war, but one gets the impression from reading it that the author would not be opposed to war if it meant that the US could spread its democracy around the world. The author supports his claims with references to England and France, powerful countries and US allies, that have colonies around the world. The author predicts that US imperialism will give the US a stronger economy as it takes over valuable trading partners. The book, Johnny Got His Gun, is clearly anti-war. This essay tries to dance around the subject of war, instead focusing on the glory of having colonies. War would cut into the point the author is trying to make.