American Imperialism in 1898: Problems in American Civilization

The Spanish-American War of 1898 and our subsequent annexation of the Philippines can no longer be viewed simply as quaint instances of American exuberance in the "gay" 1890's.  Both the war and the act of expansion to which it led involved issues which have become primary concerns for twentieth-century Americans.  The whole episode marked our emergence upon the international scene as one of the great powers.  How well we understand the responsibilities of this comparatively new role may determine the very existence of American civilization.