Mark Twain on War and Imperialism

Paper Summary:

This paper likens Mark Twain's anti-imperialist stance in the latter part of the nineteenth century to the protesters of the sixties in response to Vietnam, or the anti-war demonstrators of today. It shows that the sentiments are eerily familiar; the arguments stand the test of time. The paper introduces Mark Twain through a biography and then covers his anti-imperialistic theories. It examines his critics and then shows how his views are relevant today.

Table of Contents:
Mark Twain on War and Imperialism
Introduction
Biography
Twain's Anti-Imperialist Theories
Criticisms of Twain
Relevance to Current Events
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"Newspapers and magazines responded to "To the Person Sitting in Darkness" for a solid month. For nearly half of the remainder of the year, satirical cartoons and editorials appeared randomly throughout the country. Twain's reputation was altered during the twilight of his life. From humorist and novelist, Twain was transformed into a political reformer and outspoken critic. The critic then became the recipient of criticism. Twain's "Defense of General Funston" denounced the capture of Filipino General Aguinaldo by deceptive practices under the leadership of General Funston. This essay was featured in the North American Review in May of 1902. When the U.S. Philippine's Commission established the treason act in the same year, Twain had said he'd rather be labeled a traitor than to be labeled as a Patriot and classified with the Funstons. Just weeks before, Funston had delivered a speech in New York City in which he called for anti-imperialist writers to be "hanged for treason"."

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