IndexThe Philippine-American War: A Turning PointThe Change in US Foreign PolicyMark Twain's Contribution to Anti-ImperialismConclusionMark Twain, celebrated as one of America's greatest humorists and literary figures, he is often overshadowed by his fervent opposition to the Philippine-American War and his involvement with the Anti-Imperialist League. In 1910, the Anti-Imperialist League recognized Twain's notable contributions, stating that he "employed in the cause of Anti-Imperialism and on behalf of the Filipinos those wonderful weapons of satire which were so absolutely at his command." This essay explores lesser-known aspects of Mark Twain's life as a passionate reformer and anti-imperialist. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Philippine-American War: A Turning Point The Philippine-American War, which lasted from February 1899 to July 1902, marked a significant turning point in United States foreign policy. After acquiring the Philippines from Spain at the end of the Spanish-American War, the United States aimed to become a great power in Asia. The war aimed to defeat the Philippine revolutionaries and establish American control over the archipelago, which served as a strategic naval supply station for access to Asian markets, particularly China. This conflict, initially known as the "Philippine Insurrection," had a more profound impact on the United States than the earlier Spanish-American War. It was characterized by prolonged regional guerrilla warfare and rebellions that spread into the following decade, costing numerous lives and huge resources. The Change in U.S. Foreign Policy The conquest of the Philippines represented a dramatic change in U.S. foreign policy. While Central and South America had long been in the United States' sphere of influence, the annexation of the Philippines marked the nation's first significant foray into Asia as a world power. The integration of a trade and military route from the East Coast of the United States to Asian possessions strengthened the Philippines as a logistical hub for American trade expansion in Asia. Supporters of imperialism viewed it as a means of economic expansion and often justified it with the notion of the "white man's burden", believing it was their duty to extend civilization to supposedly less capable societies. Senator Albert Beveridge passionately argued, “The Philippines is ours forever…just beyond the Philippines are the limitless markets of China.” traditions. The Anti-Imperialist League, founded in Boston in November 1898, emerged as a leading voice against imperialism. Their primary concern was not only to support the Filipinos but also to defend their democratic republic from what they considered an "anti-American" imperialist policy. The League invoked historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address to argue that imperialism contradicted the principles of "representative government" for which the nation had fought two wars. Mark Twain's Contribution to Anti-Imperialism Mark Twain's anti-war statements played a significant role in the anti-imperialist movement, even though they came later in the debate. His most influential article, "To the Person Sitting in Darkness," was published shortly after William McKinley's re-election, which was widely seen as a "referendum on imperialism." Twain's essay ignited a fierce controversy, reinvigorating the anti-imperialist movement and restoring momentum.