What is an "Imperialist War"?

Question

I was doing my homework when I came across a question that said, "Was the Mexican-American War an Imperialist War?" so I was just wondering what exactly IS an "Imperialist War"?

Answer 1

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First define imperialism; here's the U.S. military definition: a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force

The definition from Brittanica is longer and gives examples: State policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other areas. Because imperialism always involves the use of power, often in the form of military force, it is widely considered morally objectionable, and the term accordingly has been used by states to denounce and discredit the foreign policies of their opponents. Imperialism in ancient times is clear in the unending succession of empires in China, western Asia, and the Mediterranean. Between the 15th century and the middle of the 18th, England, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain built empires in the Americas, India, and the East Indies. Russia, Italy, Germany, the United States, and Japan became imperial powers in the period from the middle of the 19th century to World War I. The imperial designs of Japan, fascist Italy, and Nazi Germany in the 1930s culminated in the outbreak of World War II. After the war the Soviet Union consolidated its military and political control of the states of eastern Europe. From the early 20th century the U.S. was accused of imperialism for intervening in the affairs of developing countries in order to protect the interests of U.S.-owned international corporations. Economists and political theorists have debated whether imperialism benefits the states that practice it and whether such benefits or other reasons ever justify a state in pursuing imperialist polices. Some theorists, such as Niccolò Machiavelli, have argued that imperialism is the justified result of the natural struggle for survival among peoples. Others have asserted that it is necessary in order to ensure national security. A third justification for imperialism, offered only infrequently after World War II, is that it is a means of liberating peoples from tyrannical rule or bringing them the blessings of a superior way of life.

While imperialism may or may not use military force, war always does, so imperialist war is waged in order to increase power. Given this definition, the War with Mexico was an imperialist war, but the wars on Poverty, Drugs, and Terror are not. The War in Afghanistan wasn't imperialistic in the beginning, but it probably is now. The War in Iraq is and always has been imperialistic.

Source(s): http://www.answers.com/topic/imperialism

Answer 2

Generally, speaking, it's a war that you engage in in order to gain land and/or natural resources, or to destroy an opposing entity and to take what is theres. From Germany's perspective WWII was an Imperialist war. The war on Terror is an Imperialist war, too, as America is attempting to use it to increase it's overseas empire in oil producing regions through direct conquest (Iraq) or by forcing other nations to become tribute states such as Yemen and Somalia.

Answer 3

Define Imperialism

Source(s): https://shrink.im/a8vSp

Answer 4

a war between two monarchs/rich rulers both looking to increase their wealth. The war has nothing to do with the people, or the negative aspects of another nation it is just a way to increase wealth. World War II was not an imperilaist war, it was fought to defeat the Nazis. World War I was, it was fought by two groups of superpowers trying to end the reign of the other superpowers and become more wealthy in the process

Answer 5

There's no other reason for sending troops there. Its been going on for decades. To make a presence now must mean there's monetary gain in it for Obama.

Answer 6

Mexican War Definition

Source(s): https://shrinks.im/a8dDM

Answer 7

the usa believe in manifest destiny

which was to have land and rule to the pacific

in doing so they annexed texas

and beat the mexican in the mexican american war and got the southwest like arizona new mexico utah nevada california

yes it was

imperialism is to fight for someone land's

Answer 8

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Yes. Obama needs to be impeached and deported ASAP.