Question

“We hold that the policy known as imperialism is hostile to liberty and tends toward militarism, an evil from which it has been our glory to be free. We regret that it has become necessary in the land of Washington and Lincoln to reaffirm that all men, of whatever race or color, are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We maintain that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. We insist that the subjugation of any people is “criminal aggression” and open disloyalty to the distinctive principles of our Government.” —Platform of the American Anti-Imperialist League, 1899

Which action would the American Anti-Imperialist League most likely consider “criminal aggression”?

Answer 1

The American Anti-Imperialist League would view the United States' annexation of territories like the Philippines and Puerto Rico as 'criminal aggression' because it contravenes the principles of liberty, self-governance, and consent of the governed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The American Anti-Imperialist League consider the United States' annexation of territories following the Spanish-American War as “criminal aggression”. This includes actions such as the taking of the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the annexation of Hawaii.

The League believed that imperialism was in direct opposition to the foundational principles of liberty and self-governance that the United States was built upon. They would argue that such actions deny the people of these annexed territories the right to consent to their own governance, a right that is central to democratic principles and the Declaration of Independence.