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Essay / Factors and Sources of American Imperialism
After the Civil War, Americans had little interest in expansionism. However, in the 1890s, some Americans wanted to pursue the idea of Manifest Destiny that had already inspired their ancestors when they acquired territories from Native Americans and then from Mexico. Although Americans at the turn of the 20th century were not zealous about overseas expansion, they were also aware of European imperialist designs. In fact, European powers like France, Germany, Great Britain, and Russia vied for control of foreign lands and resources. Therefore, fear of dwindling natural resources and the depression of the 1890s encouraged the business elite to seek new markets. Additionally, certain ideological factors like the New Manifest Destiny and Charles Darwin's idea of natural selection inspired many Americans to follow the path of imperialism. Manifestations of American imperialism can be seen in the form of the annexation of Hawaii and Samoa. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Additionally, the Americans also controlled the Philippines and Puerto Rico. An important question must be answered here: what were the factors and sources that led America to follow the agenda of imperialism? The roots of American imperialism can, however, be found in economic, strategic and ideological reasons. Looking first at economic factors, the imperialist intentions of the European power were clear to America. They feared that European imperialist powers would control foreign resources and that Americans would be left with nothing. Furthermore, the dream of a commercial empire in the Asia-Pacific, supported by William Henry Seward, was just as important in putting Americans on the path to imperialism. Second, Mahan's influence of sea power on history provided a new strategic dimension to American foreign policy that ultimately led to expansionist designs. Finally, certain ideological factors such as Darwin's natural selection and the idea of a new manifest destiny further encouraged Americans to value overseas territories. Undeniably, manifestations of US imperialism can easily be seen in their conduct regarding the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands and Samoa. The Americans intended to annex Hawaii because it was a strategic stop on their sea route to China. As a result, America annexed Hawaii in 1889 and then the island of Samoa in 1899. Additionally, the Americans waged war against Spain for control of the Philippines and Cuba. In 1898, the United States attacked Spanish forces in the Philippines and signed a defense agreement with the Philippines, which is still in effect. Likewise, America supported Cuba against Spain and played a substantial role in eliminating Spain from Cuba. Likewise, Puerto Rico was also part of the Spanish Empire and was later occupied by America during the Spanish-American War. Thanks to the Jones Act of 1917, Puerto Rico was declared a United States territory. American imperialism and expansionism had nothing to do with small groups but rather had the ambitions of an elite of missionaries, intellectuals, business leaders, and commercial farmers. In addition, he was supported by many influential political leaders. For example, Theodore Roosevelt was an ardent imperialist who always supported the idea of..