Moral and Political Arguments Racial Arguments  Rejection of U.S. idea of “liberty for all”  We should follow our own laws  People in U.S. territories should have the same protections we have in our Constitution  Feared having to absorb people of different races

Economic arguments  More taxation  More debt  Compulsory military service  Laborers would have to compete with immigrants for jobs

American Imagination Economic/Strategic Arguments  Saw it as a new frontier  Celebration of American spirit  New markets to sell goods  More resources available  Can place U.S. military around the world for our defense