Strong’s Argument for American Expansionism
Josiah Strong, an influential American Protestant minister and author, emerged as a prominent advocate for American imperialism in the late 19th century. He penned several works, including the seminal 1885 book “Our Country,” in which he expounded his belief that Anglo-Saxon Protestants had a divine mandate to expand their influence and civilize the world.
Strong argued that the United States, as a representative of Anglo-Saxon civilization, had a unique role to play in the progress of humanity. He cited statistics and sociological theories to support his claims, painting a portrait of Anglo-Saxon superiority in terms of intelligence, morality, and technological advancement.
The “White Man’s Burden” and the Far East
One of Strong’s central tenets was the “White Man’s Burden,” a phrase popularized by the British writer Rudyard Kipling. Strong contended that white, Christian nations had a moral obligation to uplift and educate non-Christian peoples in “backward” parts of the world. He believed that the United States had a particular responsibility to intervene in the Far East, where the Chinese were struggling to modernize.
Table 1: Anglo-Saxon Population Growth vs. Other Races (1883 Census)
| Race | Population (Millions) | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Anglo-Saxon | 36 | 22.2% |
| African | 6.5 | 13.5% |
| Mongolian | 1 | 12.1% |
| Indian | 0.3 | 10.5% |
Table 2: Literacy Rates by Race (1883 Census)
| Race | Literacy Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Anglo-Saxon | 94 |
| African | 20 |
| Mongolian | 15 |
| Indian | 5 |
The Economic Imperative
Strong also emphasized the economic benefits of American imperialism. He argued that expanding American control over foreign territories would provide new markets for American goods, raw materials for American industries, and investment opportunities for American capitalists.
Table 3: American Foreign Trade (1883)
| Region | Exports (Millions $) | Imports (Millions $) |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 760 | 640 |
| Asia | 20 | 10 |
| Africa | 5 | 3 |
Table 4: American Investments Abroad (1883)
| Country | Value (Millions $) |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 100 |
| Brazil | 50 |
| China | 25 |
Critics of Strong’s Imperialism
Strong’s ideas sparked both admiration and controversy. Some lauded his vision of American exceptionalism, while others condemned his views as racist and ethnocentric. Critics argued that American imperialism would lead to conflict, resentment, and the erosion of American values.
Legacy of Josiah Strong
Despite the criticisms, Strong’s ideas influenced American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His writings helped to justify the Spanish-American War (1898) and the subsequent acquisition of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
However, Strong’s legacy is complex. His ideas of Anglo-Saxon superiority have been widely discredited, and his vision of a benevolent American empire has been challenged by the realities of colonialism and its lasting impact. Nevertheless, Strong’s work remains an important historical record of the intellectual currents that shaped American foreign policy in the late 19th century.
Conclusion
Josiah Strong’s imperialism was a complex and multifaceted ideology. It was rooted in the belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority, the “White Man’s Burden,” and the economic imperatives of the time. While Strong’s ideas have been challenged and largely discredited, his work provides a valuable window into the intellectual currents that shaped American imperialism in the late 19th century.