Popular beverage pairings like rum and cola are frequently traced back to American imperialism for a variety of reasons. The impact of the United States on other nations’ politics, economies, and cultures is referred to as American imperialism. Various manifestations of this influence have been noted, including military interventions, economic hegemony, and cultural exports. One such cultural export that manifests American imperialism is the popularity of rum and cola. In this post, we will explore why rum and cola are considered as a symbol of American imperialism!
Why Is Rum & Cola American Imperialism
Sugarcane-based rum has a long history of being linked to imperialism. European nations like Spain, France, and Britain have a history of colonizing the Caribbean, where rum is commonly produced. These colonial powers set up sugarcane plantations in the area and employed African slave labor to manufacture sugar, which was later used to make rum. The Caribbean’s economy was largely dependent on the rum trade, which also provided money for the colonial powers to expand.
Following this the Monroe Doctrine, which designated the Caribbean as a sphere of American influence, caused the United States to become involved in the region at the beginning of the 20th century. The US set up military installations in the area and started meddling in the internal affairs of the Caribbean nations. As a result, American businesses started making investments in the area, especially in the sugar and rum sectors. American businesses bought land and built their own rum distillery and sugarcane farms.
The Coca-Cola Company was one of the most extensive American businesses to invest in the Caribbean. Coca-Cola started to grow its business internationally in the 1920s and built bottling facilities across the world, including the Caribbean. Rum and cola became a popular new cocktail combination thanks to Coca-Cola’s success in the area. Rum and coke mixed together were viewed as a representation of the American cultural influence in the area. During World War II, the beverage became popular among American soldiers stationed in the area, furthering its link with American imperialism.
The fact that Americans dominate the region’s economy is another reason why rum and coke are associated with American imperialism. The United States has been charged with using the Caribbean nations’ resources for its own economic gain. American businesses have been charged with engaging in unfair trade practices that have harmed the economies of the region and paying poor salaries to workers in the rum and sugarcane industries. This economic dominance is symbolized by the appeal of sugarcane-based rum and cola, a product of American businesses.
The United States’ role in the promotion of rum and coke around the world is another aspect that leads to the link of the beverage with American imperialism. The United States has been charged with promoting its own interests and ideals abroad by exporting cultural products including food, film, and music. American cultural domination has been symbolized by the success of American brands like Coca-Cola. In an effort to promote American culture and values abroad, American businesses are promoting rum and cola as a drink pairing.
WrapUp: Is Rum & Cola American Imperialism
As a result of its connection to the past of sugarcane cultivation in the Caribbean, the economic dominance of American businesses there, and the promotion of American culture around the world, rum, and cola is seen as a symbol of American imperialism. The popularity of the beverage combo, which is a sugarcane-based product of American businesses, is viewed as a representation of the United States’ economic and cultural influence on other nations. Although people all around the world may love rum and coke, its connection to American imperialism cannot be disregarded.