Why did Americans engage in imperialism (1890-1914)?
What pushed Americans to drop traditional isolationism and engage a more interventionist, imperialist foreign policy?
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Americans engaged in imperialism during the period of 1890-1914 for several reasons:
1. Economic Motives: The rapid industrialization in the late 19th century created a surplus of goods that needed new markets. By acquiring colonies and territories, the United States could establish new markets for its products and resources for raw materials.
2. Strategic Interests: The idea of having naval bases in strategic locations was essential for protecting American trade routes and projecting power globally.
3. National Security Concerns: The U.S. felt the need to protect its interests abroad, especially in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. For instance, the construction of the Panama Canal was of strategic importance in reducing travel time for ships.
4. Desire for Great Power Status: Many Americans believed that to be considered a global power, the U.S. needed overseas territories and colonies. Imperialism was seen as a way to assert dominance and compete with other nations like Great Britain and Germany.
5. Social and Cultural Factors: Some viewed imperialism as a way to spread American civilization and values to other parts of the world. This belief in cultural superiority, often known as "Manifest Destiny," played a role in justifying expansion.
The shift from traditional isolationism to a more interventionist, imperialist foreign policy was driven by a combination of factors:
1. Closing of the Frontier: With the closing of the Western frontier and the belief that there were no more lands to be settled within the continental United States, attention turned towards overseas expansion as a means of continued growth and expansion.
2. Influence of the Navy: Naval strategists, such as Alfred Thayer Mahan, argued for the need to establish a strong navy and acquire naval bases to protect American economic and strategic interests. This influenced policymakers and led to the expansion of the U.S. Navy and the acquisition of overseas territories.
3. Social Darwinism: The belief in Social Darwinism, the idea that certain races and nations were superior to others, played a role in justifying American interventionism. Many believed that it was the duty of the "civilized" nations to guide and govern "lesser" peoples.
4. Influence of Trade and Business Interests: Business leaders and merchants who saw opportunities for economic expansion abroad lobbied for a more interventionist foreign policy. They saw colonies and territories as potential markets for American goods and resources.
Overall, a combination of economic interests, national security concerns, cultural beliefs, and the changing geopolitical landscape pushed Americans to embrace a more interventionist and imperialist foreign policy between 1890 and 1914.
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