What fundamental principle did critics of imperialism argue was contradicted by the annexation of the Philippines?

Critics of imperialism argued that the annexation of the Philippines contradicted the fundamental principle of American democracy, as it undermined the foundational ideals of self-governance and the consent of the governed. The United States had long championed itself as a beacon of democracy, promoting the idea that citizens should have a voice in their own governance. By annexing the Philippines, critics contended that the U.S. was denying the Filipino people their right to self-govern and instead imposing American control over them without their consent.

This criticism came at a time when the U.S. was increasingly concerned about the expansion of its influence globally, yet it faced scrutiny for failing to extend the same democratic principles it promoted domestically to other nations. The annexation was seen as a form of imperialism that contradicted the very values of liberty and democracy that many Americans believed to be fundamental to their national identity. Thus, the criticism centered around a conflict between the ideal of spreading democracy and the action of imposing political control over another nation.