Anti-Imperialists, like Mark Twain, viewed America's efforts in expanding its global influence as contradictory to the United States' founding principles Coolidge, while not being as staunchly pro-imperialist as jingoes like Henry Cabot Lodge, states that the acquisition of colonies is simply an outcome of America's evolution. He even argues that the U.S, throughout its history, has "held lands which were virtually colonies,whose inhabitants did not enjoy the rights of self-government."
Noting the opposition from anti-imperialists like Mark Twain, Coolidge counters that expansionist policies are inconsistent with America's founding values. While differing from Lodge in his level of support for imperialism, Coolidge sees the acquisition of colonies as an inevitable aspect of the U.S.'s growth. He also points out that the U.S. has long held territories where inhabitants lacked self-governance.