which statement from march of the flag addresses a counterargument

Daniel Parker

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26-02-2025

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Which Statement from "March of the Flag" Addresses a Counterargument?

Understanding the Context of "March of the Flag"

Albert Beveridge's "March of the Flag" (1898) is a powerful speech advocating for American imperialism, specifically the annexation of the Philippines. Beveridge passionately argues that the United States has a moral and divinely ordained duty to expand its influence and bring civilization to other nations. However, a significant counterargument to this viewpoint existed at the time: that imperialism is morally wrong, exploitative, and contradicts American ideals of self-governance and liberty.

Identifying the Counterargument Addressed

Within "March of the Flag," Beveridge directly confronts this counterargument about the morality of imperialism. He anticipates the criticism that annexing the Philippines is unjust and violates the principles of self-determination. He preemptively addresses this opposition by claiming that the Filipinos are incapable of self-governance and therefore require American guidance. This is the core of his counter-argument rebuttal.

The Key Statement:

The most direct statement addressing the counterargument is a variation of this sentiment (exact wording may vary depending on the edition of the speech):

"We are a Christian nation; we are a liberty-loving people. We are charged with the solemn responsibility of uplifting the weak; it is our manifest destiny."

This statement attempts to refute the opposition by:

• Reframing imperialism as a benevolent act: He links American actions to Christian morality and a duty to uplift "the weak." This transforms imperialism from an act of conquest to one of compassionate stewardship.
• Appealing to American values: He connects imperialism to the cherished American ideal of liberty, framing it as an extension of American values to other peoples. This attempts to make the action seem consistent with the nation's founding principles, not contradictory to them.
• Employing the concept of "manifest destiny": This popular idea of the time suggested that America's expansion across the continent was divinely ordained. Beveridge leverages this concept to claim that extending American power to the Philippines is similarly preordained.

Analyzing Beveridge's Strategy

Beveridge's approach is not simply to dismiss the opposition's concerns. Instead, he attempts to redefine the terms of the debate. He doesn't deny the potential for exploitation or injustice inherent in imperialism. Rather, he tries to convince his audience that these are outweighed by the greater good of bringing civilization and liberty (as he defines them) to the Philippines.

Conclusion

Beveridge's "March of the Flag" is a complex and controversial text. However, by directly acknowledging the moral objections to imperialism and offering a counter-narrative rooted in religious duty, manifest destiny, and a paternalistic view of Filipino capabilities, he attempts to proactively address and neutralize a powerful counterargument against his expansionist vision. The statement linking Christian ideals, liberty, and the responsibility to uplift the weak directly confronts and seeks to refute the moral objections to American imperialism.