Imperialism is the policy of a state seeking to establish control beyond its borders over people who are unwilling to relinquish that control. Because of this reluctance, imperialist politics always involves the use of power against its victims. It has therefore often been considered morally reprehensible and the term has been used in international propaganda to discredit an opponent's policies. In nineteenth-century America this was conveyed as the awakening of economic and political values. Primarily, the goal was to capture the commodity market for its cultural advantages and create dominance by appealing to a wide range of people. Although the import business is an important source of capital and income worldwide, it is also the main factor in separating classes of people from their moral and traditional values. For this purpose, the Anti-Imperialist was formed in 1899 to neutralize the economic and political views of the imperialists. Although anti-imperialists are against domination, American imperialism was widely accepted because imperialists saw expansionism and foreign trade as the solution to military power, cultural superiority, and the accumulation of new markets. Throughout the nineteenth century, American territory had continued to expand toward the Pacific Ocean. However, many American leaders had become intrigued by imperialist power and European expansionism. Historian Paul Kennedy called the emergence of the United States as a player on the world stage the most decisive change of the late 19th century. America saw itself as having a “special moral endowment” and felt justified in projecting its influence beyond its borders. (“Imperialism and War,” n.d.). With the influence of Europe, American citizens have adopted ... middle of paper ... nents often admit that imperialism may benefit a small favored group, but never the group as a whole. Their reasoning concludes with the defense of rectifying economic relations so that we can actually obtain the benefits that American imperialism claims but does not actually provide. This mix of invocations makes it difficult to eliminate imperialism, but it is easy for nations that see themselves as potential victims to suspect policies not intended as imperialist. Works Cited (Davidson, James-West. Nation of Nations, 6th Edition, Volume II: Since 1865, 6th Edition McGraw-Hill Primis Custom Publishing Imperialism and War: American Foreign Affairs 1865-1920 http://www.academicamerican.com/ progressive/topics/imperial.html Modern History Sourcebook: American Anti-Imperialist League, 1899 http://www. fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1899antiimp.html