Although one could make the claim that America had always been a country based o

Question

Although one could make the claim that America had always been a country based on expansion and empire building, there was a marked change that occurred in the 1890s to 1910s. The US began taking territory that it had no intention of settling in or bringing into the government as a state. Describe the United States’ movement from isolationism to expansion-mindedness between 1890 and 1910. What were the driving factors in America's push to become an imperialistic nation? What ideas and philosophies underpinned this transformation? Many people opposed this shift. In the end do you think this was a positive shift for America, or something the USA should not have gotten involved in?

Explanation / Answer

In the 1800s, as main colonial leaders in the Old World lived in constant tension, and military conflicts in Europe did not seem to end, it soon resulted in increased demand for goods and commodities that European competitors could not buy from each other. This spurred the growth of industrialization in the United States and gave birth to a high demand for American industries on natural resources from abroad, pushing the Foreign office to seek new zones of influence. The desire to extend its system of values around the world was the driving force of American imperialism. The late nineteenth century was known as the “Age of Imperialism,” a time when the United States and other major world powers rapidly expanded their territorial possessions.American imperialism is partly based on American exceptionalism, the idea that the United States is different from other countries because of its specific world mission to spread liberty and democracy. “American imperialism” is a term that refers to the economic, military, and cultural influence of the United States on other countries. First popularized during the presidency of James K. Polk, the concept of an “American Empire” was made a reality throughout the latter half of the 1800s. During this time, industrialization caused American businessmen to seek new international markets in which to sell their goods. In addition, the increasing influence of social Darwinism led to the belief that the United States was inherently responsible for bringing concepts such as industry, democracy, and Christianity to less developed “savage” societies. The combination of these attitudes and other factors led the United States toward imperialism. During this “Age of Imperialism,” the United States exerted political, social, and economic control over countries such as the Philippines, Cuba, Germany, Austria, Korea, and Japan. One of the most notable examples of American imperialism in this age was the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, which allowed the United States to gain possession and control of all ports, buildings, harbors, military equipment, and public property that had formally belonged to the Government of the Hawaiian Islands. The US got involved for economic reasons. Americans felt that taking places like Hawaii and the Philippines would give them new sources of raw materials. It would also give them new markets in which to sell their goods. Second, Americans wanted to spread their way of life around the globe. Culturally,the US wanted to extend its influence and way of life throughout the world.This desire was motivated by humanitarism,of helping nations which politically,economically and culturally impoverished. Due to time limit,remaining questions can be asked as another question,they will be answered,thankyou for your cooperation

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