Premium Essay

The Us Colony: Guam

In:

Submitted By laurieho
Words 670
Pages 3
In a country with more than three hundred million people, allowing each person to have a voice would be impossible without the employment of the voting system. The human individual yearns for love, security, peace, and accomplishment, and none of those things would be possible without freedom, and our founding fathers have granted us the key to unlocking our freedom with the power to vote. With enough determination and cooperation, the ballot has the power to change politicians’ views, laws, and the course of history. With the right to vote, each man and woman is entitled to his or her own opinion. While there are two political parties that encompass the majority of Americans, we are not subject to having only two choices. There are the Green, Libertarian, Independent parties, which are of no less importance and significance just because of their popularity. How can one be imprisoned when he or she has the option to choose from a spectrum of political ideals, politicians, and political parties. Our system of government seeks to prevent injustice, the type that our founding fathers endured under a government where they had no voice. Our vote is our tool to create the society we wish to live in. How we live and the laws that govern us are determined by our votes. However, if we choose to not use our vote, there is no guarantee that we can have freedom and justice. There are a surprising amount of similarities between Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States, and the American colonies of England. Both were under the control of a government thousands of miles away, had their own local government, and had different rights than citizens living in their “mother country”. The problem that the American colonies faced was that they did not have a voice or representation in the government that ruled it. Without proper representation, they were subject to

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

History

...University of Phoenix Material American Imperialism Part 1 Age of Imperialism: 1870 to 1914 Place | Why was there interest? | U.S. actions | Status today | Alaska | The purchase of Alaska in 1867 marked the end of Russian efforts to expand trade and settlements to the Pacific coast of North America and became an important step in the United States rise as a great power in the Asia-Pacific region. Beginning in 1725, when Russian Czar Peter the Great dispatched Vitus Bering to explore the Alaskan coast, Russia had a keen interest in this area, which was rich in natural resources and lightly inhabited. | Russia offered to sell Alaska to the United States in 1859. The looming U.S. Civil War delayed the sale, but after the war, Secretary of State William Seward quickly took up a renewed Russian offer and on March 30, 1867, agreed to a proposal from the Russian Minister in Washington, to purchase Alaska for $7.2 million. The Senate approved the treaty of purchase on April 9; President Andrew Johnson signed the deal on May 28, and Alaska formally transferred to the United States on October 18, 1867. This purchase ended Russia’s presence in North America and ensured U.S. access to the Pacific northern rim. | The Alaska Territory Constitutional Convention Adopted the Alaska Constitution on February 5, 1956. Alaska was inducted into the Union in 1959. President Eisenhower signed the official declaration, which made the territory of Alaska the 49th state. (Purchase of Alaska...

Words: 1105 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Cuban Independence Movement Research Paper

...The Cuban independence movement was one that spans over 100 years with many false starts. We will be looking at what led up to Cuba’s independence from Spain at the end of the Spanish American War. One thing that you will notice is there was no single person or movement that led the charge to independence, but a mix of people from all walks of Cuban life. We will also see that Spain made some of the same mistakes that Great Brittan had had with the United States, helping to push the Cubans to want change. Let us start with a little bit of history leading up to the major moves to independence. As early as 1790 the idea of independence was popular in Cuba, with the first attempt at revolution taking place in 1791, led by José Antonio Aponte....

Words: 1711 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Why Did Usa Expand in 1890?

...Spanish-American war and annexation of territories in the Pacific Ocean- far from the USA. One reason why the USA expanded was due to economic reasons. Rapid increase in economy proved that the US needed to control new markets. America’s industrial economy experienced a downturn after a rapid growth in the 1870s-1880s by 4% annually .The successful war between Spain allowed the USA to expand and establish an empire as the war included the annexation of other Spanish possession in the Caribbean and pacific this lead to USA also gaining control over Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippians and Hawaii. Taking over new colonies meant cheaper raw materials would be available and more money would be coming in; this was especially needed with growing industrialisation. Another reason why the USA expanded was because of the militarily. Spain made peace at the Treaty of Paris in July 1898 and Cuba remained under American military rule until 1902, when it became an American. Expansion of the Navy meant better protection interests and trade abroad. Protectorate. The war of 1898 also lead to the Platt Amendment which allowed the USA to protectorate smaller colony such as Cuba this lead to the Guantanamo Bay naval base was also acquired. USA had to be a major naval power which required the achievement of colonies to supply bases around the world. Also powerful nations in History had always been strong sea powers. Final reason why the USA expanded was because of nationalist. Some Americans felt it...

Words: 909 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Manifest Destiny Research Paper

...beyond the North American continent. During the years of Manifest Destiny, with government support, the United States expanded and went on to add eighteen states through advances such as the Louisiana Purchase, the Mexican War, and multiple treaties and deals with foreign governments. Such expansions towards the Pacific Coast brought the United States great resources and a large portion of land, propelling the country into an industrial age of progress and prosperity. Later in the century, Imperialism began and sought to expand the United States beyond the American mainland and into the global arena. At the time of Imperialism, it was considered that the western frontier was closed, and thus, pushing into locations such as Guam and Puerto Rico and establishing colony-like rule was considered the next step. Manifest Destiny and Imperialism share many similarities in their motivations toward success, the results of their efforts, and controversies over their expansion. Though both expansionist events did have some differences in their points, they stand to be ultimately more similar in all aspects of their motivations, results, and controversies. Manifest Destiny and Imperialism were very similar in terms of their expansionist motivations in that both were backed by a desire for economic opportunities and a belief that the United States was meant to expand by God’s will; however, Imperialism took that concept to a level of racism in the shape of social Darwinism. In the case of Manifest...

Words: 2017 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

The End

...relation to the United States. Age of Imperialism: 1870 to 1914 |Place |Why was there interest? |U.S. actions |Status today | |Hawaii |Our interest was with the sugar plantations. |In 1893 some American rebels and troops seized |Hawaii is now a state within the United States. | | |There was also interest there since America |Queen Lili’uokalani and declared a provisional | | | |wanted Hawaii to become a part of the US due |government. | | | |to the tariff policy. Also, there was a naval | | | | |base there. | | | | |...

Words: 1550 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Island Hopping Case Study

...Island Hopping The strategy of island hopping was used due to the fact that the U.S gained control over some islands and colonies in the Philippines and Guam. The Japanese had began to win a lot of battles and gain more and more power so the US army started getting worried and they viewed Japan as a serious threat. The U.S decided they needed to bomb Japan but the U.S did not have what it took to get a bomb big enough to take out Japan to transport it to Japan so they needed a better strategy. Thats where the islands where the U.S won over come into play. These islands that the U.S have are very close to Japan and if anything went wrong the U.S could come back to these islands and be safe. This was a perfect spot to make a bomb and an airbase...

Words: 280 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Political Emotions

...Social Issues In the Philippines Uploaded by Galaghard on Sep 24, 2002 Ever wonder what happens to a country when a group of politicians get together and decide to purchase land, to try and create a mirror image of their society in that new colony, and instill their culture? Surely, there have been numerous others. In this paper, the attempt is to provide nominal (as an extensive and exhaustive one goes beyond the parameters of this work’s purpose) insight into the inner workings of American reign in the Philippines from the late nineteenth century to the present, with an emphasis on those policies’ ramifications on the lives of the affected. The story with the Americans really begins with the purchase of the Philippines for twenty million dollars accounted for in the Treaty of Paris of 1898 that “secured Cuban independence, the ceding of the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam to the U.S. [from Spain]” (McDuffie, Piggrem, and Woodsworth, AP Exam: US History 123). During that time, according to Lena Mendoza Strobel, professor at Sonoma State University, the Americans belief that the masses (in the Philippines) would only be content under a firm patriarchy “helped shape a western policy that asserted political and socioeconomic dominance” (Coming Full Circle 41). What that meant and means for the natives of the country are Americanized processes of schooling, American military outposts, American-owned businesses, and an instilling of American norms and values that were and are...

Words: 422 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Spanish American War

...Maine. Although the source remains unknown for sure, we’re positive here at The Chronicle that the dastardly Spaniards committed this heinous crime. Many valuable American lives, as well as other less valuable foreign lives, were lost due to the explosion onboard the gunship. This blatant attack on an American Naval vessel is definite grounds for a war with the Spaniards. In response to the attack on the Maine, the United States Congress has raised an emergency fund of $50 million for President McKinley to do with as he pleases in order to fight the war that they declared also following the destruction of the Maine. Congress, through this declaration of war, desired to repay the indignation bestowed upon the US by Spain and to also help free the Spanish colonies of Guam, Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico. The main catalyst that escalated this war was very much to the “Yellow Journalism” produced by such newspapers such this one, but also by others such as the New York Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle, and even by very reputable newspapers like the New York Times. It is not for this reporter to decide whether or nor this form of journalism is morally, or ethically sound, but I myself shall not participate is this stretching of the facts. Enough criticism of Spain, and yes they DO deserve...

Words: 347 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

American Imperlism

...territories and this policy is often associated with the establishment of colonies. Since the American Revolution, American Imperialism has been a part of the United States history. European countries had been involved in imperialism for centuries before the United States started to build a colonial empire. During the American Imperialism, the main focus was a political and economic expansion and was supported by interests, actions, and strategies. This is how American became such a powerful nation. The United States became involved with Hawaii, Cuba, Spain, Philippines, and China during this policy. In the late 1800s, the people in the United States had wanted to become more involved in Imperialism. Henry Cabot Lodge, a senator from Massachusetts was one of the supporters of the US expansion. He believed that the United States must not fall out of the line of (Mathews, 2006) March, because of the smaller states that were trying to expand their future. In 1826, the United States first became involved with Hawaii, missionaries went to Hawaii to convert them to Christianity, this was one of the first treaties between the United States and Hawaii, and there became peace and friendship between the two of them (American Imperialism: Political and Econimic Expansion (1826-1914)) In 1875, the beginning of the Americans owned plantations in Hawaii; a large sugar plantation was first established. The US sugar plantation owners continued to make money and they expanded in Hawaii...

Words: 1047 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Extent

...throughout the decades of history. Excet for the Civil War and the Reconstruction period, the United States acquired huge amount of land, establishing a powerful world influence, and finally developed current territory. Not only that, US started looking outside of the nation and the era of imperialism began with the reinforcement of expansionism. The early twentieth-century US exansionism is a continuation of late nineteenth-century expansionism in some aspects. With exploring the newfound land of America, the concept of "Manifest Destiny" emerged. "Manifest Destiny," is the belief that Americans are given the right to all of the land between the eastern and western seaboards. In 1983, one of the earliest cases of imperialism started with the expanding of the colonies past the Appalachian Mountains, to current day Mississippi. With the Louisiana Purchase, and the joint occupaiton of Oregon, respectively in 1803, and 1818, America's newfound imperialism continued. This expansion did not stop until they controlled the entire current day continental United States. After the expansion inside the nation, its expansionism did not stop there; the US then set its newly superior sights on the foreign countries, such as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Hawaii. By the time, America was full of pride, thought America itself knew what is best for the rest of the world. From the English poet Rudyard Kipling's pem, imperialists within the United States understood the phrase "white man's...

Words: 734 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

America's Policemen

...of Nazism in the period leading up to the war, or even at first during the war.” Dreaming up America Russell Banks 2008 Edition pg 89 paragraph 1 “So, I don’t think what was happening in Germany in the 1930s was as frightening to the U.S. as it would have been had it happened elsewhere, because we trusted them a little more. Also, most of the victims so far seemed to be Jews, and no way was the U.S. going to come to the defense of Jews at that time. Especially if it was going to cost us money. The other thing was our sense simply of the physical distance. It wasn’t hard in those years leading into the war for Americans to say, this doesn’t concern us.” Dreaming up America Russell Banks 2008 Edition pg 90 paragraph 1 American troops went to Afganstan, with the intital intention of locating known terrorist Osama –Bin- Laden for his involvement with 911 attacks in the U.S. But because the Taliban requested that Bin laden leave the country, and they declined to extradite him to us without evidence that he was involved in the 911 attacks. American troops were dispatached to Afgan to right the wrong that was done to America. We would not have gone to Afganstan if American lives had not been taken without a second thought of our precious life really is. American Air Forces had to interviene regarding the Libya Co.l Muammar Al –Quaddafi. The United States and its allies did not want to send in air strikes and wepontry upon Libya. However, when you have no regard...

Words: 1366 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

His/120 American Imperialism

...University of Phoenix Material American Imperialism Part 1 Complete the chart by identifying the following: • Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914. • Discuss why each area was important to American empire building (political, economic, and social). • Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some of the factors that justified American imperialist actions? • Identify the current political status of these places in relation to the United States. Age of Imperialism: 1870 to 1914 Place Why was there interest? U.S. actions Status today Hawaii America regarded the Hawaiian Island as an extension of the Pacific Coast. The white sugar planters sought annexation, so that the Queer's polices and the tariff from the U.S. Would be changed. The actions taken were by a small minority of white sugar planters revolted in 1893 with American troops assistants. The first attempt for annexation was passed, Cleveland took office and then refused to sign the bill. Hawaii is the 50th state of the U.S. Documents were signed 1960, and a flag ordered. There is some questions regarding the truth behind Hawaii becoming a nation under the United States of America. Sugar is still the largest products the trade. Alaska The main interested of America “Manifest Destiny” they were expanding it's control across the continent. Alaska was a good souse of natural resources...

Words: 2238 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

The World Is Not Enough

...The World is Not Enough: Globalization, Guns, and Greed by Kathryn E Smith “…trade cannot be maintained without war or war without trade.”[1] Globalization is defined in many ways, and although it has been expanding and contracting over thousands of years, it has only in the past two centuries become a topic of such interest. Many think of globalization as “primarily a monetary phenomenon,”[2] and although most definitions of globalization do only concern trade, it is more broadly “the process by which different regions of the world affect one another economically, politically, or culturally.”[3] Today, military might is paramount in the expansion of globalization. It may seem cynical to those raised in American high schools and higher education institutions to say that “the hidden hand of the market will never work without a hidden fist.”[4] And yet, truly “McDonald’s cannot flourish without McDonnell Douglas, the designer of the F-15. And the hidden fist that keeps the world safe for Silicon Valley’s technologies is called the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.”[5] Historically, this military protection of commercial interests has great precedence. As far back as the ancient city-states of Venice and Genoa, powerful navies were the basis of wealth.[6] In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Qing Dynasty of China pursued imperialist expansion, and conquered no less than four independent nations.[7] British Imperialism ...

Words: 2997 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Setting Up a Judiciary System for Political Process

...Guam Unified Court System Research Paper for Judicial Process Instructor: Doctor Elberg By Donna Halbrook Guam Unified Court System The Judiciary of Guam is pleased to join the United States of America as the fifty-first state. The newest chapter of our judiciary journey begins with some major objectives in mind. One of these objectives is to increase access to justice for every member of our community. Another major objective is to ensure the Judiciary serves as a model of good governance. We will promote accountability, performance, and transparency (Torres 2010). The new court will be a unified court system, very serving and strong at the foundation levels where we meet the people at. We will start at the foundation and build to the highest court, the State Supreme Court of Guam. Supreme Court Court of Appeals [Problem Solving Courts] Foundation Courts Foundation Courts: Problem Solving Courts | Village Court | Trial Court | Family Court | Village Courts The Village Courts will play a vital role in the Guam State Unified Court System. These courts have broad jurisdiction and they hear both civil and criminal matters (New York State Office of Court Administration 1996-2011). In Guam, this will be for the smaller but very numerous legal affairs of our citizens. There will be a Village Court associated with each of the four police precincts, thus embracing the entire population of Guam. The offices and chambers for these courts will be in close...

Words: 5605 - Pages: 23

Free Essay

Starling Birds

...fruit, seeds, the occasional insect and the eggs of seabirds. They are bold around humans and will follow humans in seabird colonies to take the eggs of seabirds flushed by them. Sali: Still seen at Cocos and Andersen Scientific Name: Aplonis opaca guami (Family STURNIDAE) Common Name: Micronesian Starling Chamorro Name: Sali Habitat and Natural History: It lives in many habitats from seacoast limestone cliff faces to forested mountain tops and on atolls. Generally the Sali lives in groups. It is a cavity nester. A pair lays up to four eggs and both parents incubate the eggs. They are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, fruit and insects. Description: Glossy black with a short tail and yellow eye as an adult, the Sali is about nine inches or twenty-three centimeters long. Range: The Micronesian Starling is widely distributed in Micronesia ranging through Palau; Yap; Guam; the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan, Tinian and Rota); Chuuk; Pohnpei; and Kosrae. Current Status: Historically on Guam the Sali was found throughout the island. It is presently restricted to Cocos Island in southern Guam and to the military housing area of Andersen Air Force Base in Northern Guam. The numbers are greatly reduced. Threats: The most serious threat to the Sali is habitat destruction and predation by the introduced brown treesnake. The Government of Guam considers the Sali to be an endangered species. Educational Resources Starlings European Starling Fun...

Words: 2820 - Pages: 12