The excerpt below if from a speech by Senator Albert J. Beveridge to the US Senate on January 9, 1900. Mr. President, the times call for (honesty). The Philippines are ours forever, “territory belonging to the United States,” as the Constitution calls them. And just beyond the Philippines are China’s (unlimited) markets. We will not retreat from either. We will not repudiate our duty in the archipelago. We will not abandon our opportunity in the Orient.

Based on this speech, what conclusion can be made about the views of American imperialists in the 1900s?

Group of answer choices

They feared the growing economic and naval power of the Japanese Empire.

They intended to spread the democratic form of government to China.

They saw the Philippines as a useful base for increasing American trade with East Asia.

They believed that the Constitution required US acquisition of the Philippines.