Final answer:
Senator Beveridge supports imperialism for its economic and strategic military benefits, viewing the Philippines as an opportunity for American exports and a military base. His justification aligns with the era's ideology promoting an 'empire of liberty,' despite the opposition's moral and political concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Justification for Imperialism in Senator Beveridge's Speech
The senator justifies supporting imperialism by arguing that it offers substantial economic and strategic benefits. In his speech, he states that the Philippines would provide the United States with a gateway to Asian markets for American exports and a source of raw materials for American industry, implying considerable economic advantages. Furthermore, he describes the Philippines as offering a military base at the door of the East, suggesting strategic military benefits. This reasoning falls under both economic and military classifications. Supporters of imperialism like Senator Beveridge saw the expansion as a means to secure and enhance the nation's power and prosperity.
The speech also reflects a broader ideological perspective that was prevalent at the time, which saw imperialism as a continuation of the American pursuit of an "empire of liberty." However, opponents of imperialism, citing moral, social, and political reasons, feared that empire-building opposed the fundamental principles of democracy and liberty.