Differing Views On Imperialism

Views on Imperialism: Carl Schurz

In its dealings with other nations [the United States] should have scrupulous regard, not only for their rights, but also for their self-respect. With all its . . . resources for war, it should be the great peace power of the world . . . It should seek to influence mankind, not by heavy artillery, but by good example and wise counsel. It should see its highest glory, not in battles won, but in wars prevented. It should be so invariably just and fair, so trustworthy . . . that other nations would instinctively turn to it as . . . the greatest preserver of the world’s peace.

—Carl Schurz, from a speech to the New York Chamber of Commerce, 1896