Examine the debate between imperialists and anti-imperialists over acquisition of the Philippines, and explain why the imperialists prevailed.

The debate between imperialists and anti-imperialists over the acquisition of the Philippines was a contentious issue in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Imperialists argued that acquiring the Philippines would expand American influence and trade in the Pacific, while anti-imperialists believed that it was morally wrong to colonize another country and that it went against American principles of freedom and self-determination.

The imperialists ultimately prevailed for several reasons. Firstly, there was a strong sense of American exceptionalism and a belief in the country's manifest destiny to expand its influence globally. This ideology fueled the imperialist argument that acquiring the Philippines was necessary for the United States to fulfill its destiny as a world power.

Secondly, there were economic interests at play. Imperialists argued that the Philippines would provide valuable resources and markets for American businesses, and that it would serve as a strategic naval base in the Pacific. This economic incentive swayed many policymakers and business leaders to support the acquisition.

Additionally, there was a racial and cultural superiority complex at play, with many imperialists believing that it was the duty of the "superior" American race to civilize and uplift the "inferior" Filipino population. This paternalistic attitude justified the colonization of the Philippines in the eyes of many imperialists.

Furthermore, the anti-imperialist movement lacked a cohesive and unified voice, making it difficult to mount a strong opposition to the imperialist agenda. While there were prominent figures such as Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie who spoke out against imperialism, they were not able to sway public opinion or political decision-making to the same extent as the imperialists.

In conclusion, the imperialists prevailed in the debate over the acquisition of the Philippines due to a combination of ideological, economic, and cultural factors. Their arguments about American exceptionalism, economic interests, and racial superiority ultimately won out, leading to the colonization of the Philippines by the United States.