American Expansionism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American Expansionism - Essay ExampleIn the period from 1890 to 1920, the US economy functioned in an optimal manner achieving glorious results. In 1900, the US had 38 percent of worlds wealth, which is 13 percent more than Britain. This economic might enabled leaders to pursue expansionism and importantly financed it as well. Economic power set the foundations of American power, facilitating leaders to pursue grand policies (Efthymiou). The other related cause is that the US treasured to further develop its economy, which they wanted to achieve by capturing and tapping resources-rich territories. That is, after capturing and entering newer territories, the US looked for key resources or materials, which can be sold separately or can be use to manufacture finished goods. Those finished good were sold or exported to various countries thereby developing its economy. expansionism was driven by the idea that the American economy ineluctably to grow continuously (Johnston 189). The thi rd cause which initiated expansionism was the strengthening of its naval wing. The USs Navy Admiral of that period, Alfred Thayer Mahan only emphasized the need for a muscular navy and the creation of coaling stations in strategic regions with significance in world trade (Efthymiou). When this started actualizing, the US became confident in its expansion plans.The US grow its role and influence through three ways namely imperialism or armed conflicts, international diplomacy, and through the construction of the Panama Canal. In 1898, the US say a war on Spanish territories in the Caribbean and totally dismantled the waning Spanish Empire. So by evicting Spain, the US fortified its advantageous magnetize on the Caribbean, built a naval base in Cuba, and even annexed Puerto Rico (Efthymiou). It further extended its influence into the Pacific by capturing Philippines and Guam. The US too expanded its influence by actively