With the belief that the European countries were superior to others around the world growing, countries began to develop a strong sense of national pride and a desire for national prestige. Raymond Aron, in The Century of Total War, blamed imperialism not on economic needs, but on politics, saying “they all originated in political ambitions… the nations’ will to power… [or] glory or national greatness.” Aron believes imperialism was due to a country’s political aspirations, such as building an extensive empire as a testament to political prowess, rather than for economic gain. The United States followed in Europe’s footsteps and colonized the Philippines. President William McKinley explains that “We [the United States] could not leave them