Significance

U.S. military bases are a significant part of American Imperialism because the soldiers that move to base towns influence the small towns economy, becoming an economic imperial power. Soldiers effect small town economies by becoming a market consumer and bringing the "American-style consumption" with them. (Enloe, 71) They become major part of the towns income and trade, so they then grow to become dependent on the military base for a strong economy, "The economy of the Pacific Islands relies heavily on the United States military installations located there." ([|Samoa]) American soldiers also bring their culture to base towns, proving to be culturally imperialistic as well. Soldiers use women at bases sexually, creating a high prostitution rate which would not be as high without with soldiers. It is said that "One occasionally hears rumors of 'barracks girls', young British girls who leave home and in time become resident sexual partners of American male soldiers." (Enloe, 65) The military bases often appear politically invisible but affect the community through schools, consumer tastes, housing, friendships, jobs and gossip.
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 * Why is this subtopic significant to understanding American Imperialism?**