The American Anti-Imperialist League was an organization established on June 15, 1898, to settle the American annexation of the Philippines as an insular area. The anti-imperialist opposed expansion, believing that imperialism violated the fundamental principle that just republican government must derive from "consent of the governed." Rather than opposing American territorial expansion on economic or humanitarian grounds, the League argued that such activity would necessitate the abandonment of American ideals of self-government and non-intervention. The Anti-Imperialist League was ultimately defeated in the battle of public opinion by a new wave of politicians who successfully advocated the virtues of American territorial expansion in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War and in the the first years of the 20th century.
When my father explained this one to me, I tried listening as well as I could. This whole government thing is so confusing. However, every time my father tells me a new concept, I get more interested in it.
The Anti Imperialists League was administered by three permanent officers - a President, Secretary, and Treasurer - working in conjunction with a six-member Executive Committee. Unsurprisingly given the localized origins of the organization, the initial members of this group all hailed from the Boston metropolitan area. Chosen as the high-profile President of the League was former Massachusetts Governor, Congressmen, and the United States Senator George S. Boutwell, who remained in the position until his death in1905.
Picture Sources:
http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/img/imleag-th.jpg
http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-5/teng.jpg
http://callisto.ggsrv.com/imgsrv/FastFetch/UBER1/pede_0001_0001_0_img0010
http://www.hakes.com/product_images/14/28059/001_small.jpg
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