Write a short paragraph in which you compare and contrast the arguments made about the occupation of the Philippines by Roosevelt and Twain.

Mark Twain was a staunch anti-imperialist. He felt that European powers and the United States committed a grave sin by meddling in the affairs of less powerful nations around the world. He felt that the United States was moving in the wrong direction when it received control Guam, The Phillipines, and Cuba from the Spanish Empire.

Roosevelt felt the opposite way. He wanted to see America rise in power and prestige on the global stage, and saw an increased military and economic presence around the world as the way to achieve that. He also felt that the world would be better off with a more influential America, since American values included democracy and basic human rights.