After the Spanish-American War, President William McKinley faced a difficult choice of whether to annex the Philippines and take
on the roles and responsibilities of an imperialist power or give it its independence. After great consternation, McKinley decided to annex the Philippines, forever changing the role of the United States in the world. If you were in McKinley’s position, what would you have done? Would you have annexed the Philippines? Why or why not? First, make a list of pro and con arguments about this question. You will use that list to support the decision you would make.
There answer should be a list of five arguments in favor of annexation and five arguments against annexation.
If I was in McKinley’s position, I would also choose annexation of the Philippines because it is a gift of God by giving the control of Philippines to United states of America. If I would not annexed Philippines, another country will take this advantage so it is better to get this opportunity. It provides a market of American goods and the taxation on the Philippines boost the economy of the United states of America. The main disadvantage of the annexation of the Philippines is to put extra burden on the United states of America because military is needed to control the Philippines and maintain law and order.
Answer: Congress claimed the following powers: to make war and peace; conduct foreign affairs; request men and money from the states; coin and borrow money; regulate Indian affairs; and settle disputes among the states.
