Extra Credit Blog

      After the Revolutionary War, the United States felt entitled to expand westward. As they had finally be relieved of life under the British crown, it was time to make a name for themselves and acquire power and colonies; in order to accomplish this they followed the steps of British Empire and created the American Empire. Starting first with the Native Americans, they pushed them westward in order to expand “white civilization.” As seen in the readings about Hawaii the same steps to acquiring the new “state” were seen in the removal of the Native Americans. Imperialism works when there is a common belief to conquer territories because the people they are moving need saving. In the case of the Native Americans and the Hawaiians, they needed saving from becoming more savage and uncivilized. Throughout my history classes, I have always been taught that Americans only moved westward because the land was rightfully theirs or that the people that they took control over desperately needed their help because their government system was failing. In contrast to the popular belief, the Hawaiian government seemed to be a well-oiled machine, the royal family appeared to be loved by the citizens. People were respected and appreciated and there was a mutual trust between the royals and Hawaiians. Secondly, imperialism has always been portrayed as something positive and something that all Americans were aware of. In the Queen’s narrative she states “Thus, understanding perfectly the kind of men sent one after another by the so-called Republic of Hawaii to Washington, I was easily able to separate truth from falsehood in the accounts inspired by the missionary party, published by them or their agents in Honolulu, written from thence to the press in America, or invented by enterprising scribblers for the purpose of deceiving the American public.” I had always thought that Americans supported the expansion westward, but it appears that it was a few greedy state officials who wanted more power and wealth. Personally, I found it very intriguing that a country based on the principles of honor, justice, equality and acceptance has achieved these idealistic goals through a dark and deceptive past. Although we are very lucky to live in a country where we are free to act as we see acceptable, it is interesting that we only have these rights through acquiring new territories and embracing the dark side of imperialism. Very ironic that in order for us to produce the light we need the dark.