International Involvement free essay sample

Most Americans in the mid-1800s were not interested in further territorial expansion. In fact, many Americans opposed any type of imperial rule as it went against America’s political policies and threatened to bring in people of different cultures and religions; something that American already had enough of. However, several European countries were quickly expanding into Africa and Asia, threatening United States’ access to global markets. This new threat, combined with a collective belief in Darwinism, sparked American interest in global expansion. America’s international involvement between 1890 and 1905 definitely affected global politics as the United States became increasingly concerned with the affairs of smaller, less stable countries as well as gaining a more assertive global presence. This new approach toward global politics forever changed America’s once indifferent attitude. The events following the American Revolution kept the United States occupied up until the mid-1800s. The United States was largely inactive in global politics as its leaders were more concerned with building the foundations of the country rather than expanding beyond the North American borders. We will write a custom essay sample on International Involvement or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The country’s economy grew with industrialization and by the 1890’s the United States had half of its petroleum sales overseas (Landsberry, 2010) . The United States and its economy became very dependent on foreign trade. Almost simultaneously, European powers began seizing territory in Africa and Asia. Despite America’s indifference towards any involvement in global politics, the rising power of these European countries was concerning. Darwinism, a belief in the survival of the fittest, prompted Americans to consider further expansion to prevent being shut out of global markets that supported the American economy. Others were convinced that much of the world was uncivilized and it was the United States’ duty to spread the Anglo-Saxon civilization. Some were strictly focused on national power and insisted that the United States’ global power was dependent upon a strong navy. Yet there were still some who maintained that the United States must respect the rights of other nations (Irvin, 2007). Carl Shurz, a  well-known politician, also held this peaceful perspective. He wrote, â€Å"In its dealings with other nations (the United States) should have scrupulous (careful) regard, not only for their rights, but also for their self-respect. With all its resources for war, it should be the great peace power of the world. It (America) should seek to influence mankind, not by heavy artillery, but by good example and wise counsel. It should see its highest glory, not in battles won, but in wars prevented. It should be so invariably (always) just and fair, so trustworthy that other nations would instinctively turn to it as the great preserver of the world’s peace† (Irvin, 2007). Nonetheless, the United Sates pursued imperialism in the Spanish-American War in 1898. The Spanish-American War was a conflict that President William McKinley wanted to avoid. Anti- Spanish propaganda instigated America’s interest in the war and pressure from the Democratic Party and several industrialists finally persuaded the president to engage in what eventually lead to the fall of the Spanish Empire. The war originally began as an American intervention of the Cuban War of Independence however tensions escalated quickly after the American battleship Maine mysteriously sank in the Havana harbor (Brinkley, 2012). The Treaty of Paris ended the war and gave the United States control of the Philippine islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico (Brinkley, 2012). The United States has already shifted the balance of power in their first confrontation beyond North American borders. Now in control of outside territories, the United States was faced with the responsibility of maintaining its new colonies. This proved to be very difficult in the Philippines, where rebellious groups of guerilla warriors waged war on American soldiers. The Philippine War went on for four years and caused thousands of causalities, both native and American alike. The rebels maintained that they had valid leader who would lead a stable government and they did not need help from Spain or the United States. The war ended in 1902 when the United States finally agreed to assist in the Philippines independence from colonial rule (Brinkley, 2012). â€Å"America did not attempt to expand its territories after the Philippine War as imperialism did not proved to be more dangerous than it was lucrative†Ã‚  (Landsberry, 2010) . Instead, its leaders decided to expand the country’s power and by increasing its influence over foreign nations. President Roosevelt was very interested in international involvement. His affairs became known as the ‘Big Stick Policy’ (Irvin, 2007). The name came from his famous quote â€Å"I have always been fond of the West African proverb: ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far† (Irvin, 2007). This attitude was one of quiet assertiveness. President Roosevelt, like Carl Shurz, believed that it was the United States’ duty to set a good example for the rest of the world. He took it a step further by insisting that Americans intervene in the affairs of other countries that were too weak or unstable to protect themselves. He focused on countries located on the Western Hemisphere in accordance with the Monroe Doctrine; a document forged by President Monroe that assured the European countries of the United States’ dominance over the Western Hemisphere. President Roosevelt’s promise to protect weaker nations is known as the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (Irvin, 2007) . Although the United States may have not been entirely successful at imperialism, it did make its mark on global politics. It disabled the Spanish Empire and changed the American reputation from indifferent and isolated to assertive and strong. President Roosevelt reiterated the Monroe Doctrine, making the world aware of the United States’ presence in foreign affairs. In the short time from 1890 to 1905, the United States of America transformed its identity in preparation for the war ahead.

Ukraine essays

Ukraine essays As the second largest country in Europe and a history of political power, the nation state of the Ukraine formed, along with Russia, the heart of the Soviet Union. The nations independence in 1991 brought with it an uncertainty over a future that had once been dominated by the specter of the USSR. Also with that independence came the possibility for the end of Russias exploitation of Ukraines environment. Through heavy industry and mining, directives issued to support the USSRs command style economy in Moscow had polluted Ukraines water and air. Would the end of the USSR mean the end of the pollution? Not quite, nor would an end of the USSR mean that state ownership would end and that democracy would prevail. Indeed, Ukraines struggle has been markedly difficult with some instances of political progress only now being made. The lasting effect of that progress is yet to be seen but it is possible to say a few words on Ukraines environment, social and economic conditions. Having been endowed with 56% arable land, for centuries Ukraine lived up to its reputation as the bread basket of Europe by cultivating wheat and grain. It still does this today as the water from the Dnieper River (Europes third largest river) feeds many fields. However, during the last 25 years, the area under agricultural use has become 1.3 times less. This is due to the industrial expansion strategy that Moscow utilized. The soil itself is at risk by over cultivation leading to significant amounts of erosion. It is estimated that 4 million tons of soil are washed out every year. All told, about 80% of Ukraines arable land or 25 million hectares are affected by erosion. There are crop losses where soil is subject to erosion. On average it is worse off by about 40% of previous year yields. Soil degradation is an issue but when you think of Ukrainian environmental problems, you immedia...

European Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

European Business - Essay Example Factors that can be held responsible for the current account deficit are noted below: Deficit in goods – Due to de-industrialisation, the UK has had a very large deficit of goods. Besides being a manufacturer of goods, the UK has increasingly become an importer of manufactured commodities such as, clothes, computers and cars. The UK is also an importer of food and oil. The surplus in service partly offsets the deficit in goods, but is not sufficient in order to overcome the trade deficit. Relatively low rate of saving – Individuals residing the UK has a relatively low rate of saving as compared to that of other countries. Then again, despite a rise in the saving rate, deterioration in the current account could not be prevented. High consumer spending – A rapid growth in consumer spending leads to an increase in imports, which in turn adversely affects the current account. During a boom in the economy, the saving rate appears to fall, unlike consumer spending, which increases and leads to a current account deficit (Economics.Help, 2014). It is the value of one country’s currency in terms of another, indicating the rate at which a currency can be exchanged for another. The balance of payments model states that the foreign exchange rates are at an equilibrium level if the current account balance is stable. Reduction in foreign exchange reserves occurs due to a trade deficit, which ultimately depreciates the currency. In case of undervaluation of a currency, the country’s exports are rendered affordable and imports expensive. TOT reflects the amount of exports needed to be sold in order to purchase imports. There is an improvement in the terms of trade if the price of exports increases and vice-versa. A prolonged decline in the terms of trade reduces the standard of living. On the other hand, an improvement in the terms of