Expansioninsm

Expansionism

Stephanie Parris

Everest University

November 4, 2011

The United States was the top production economy in the 1890’s. It far outweighed the production of Britain which was the second highest production economy. While the US had the lead in production it lacked in military force. Britain, the competitor, had a much larger military. In fact, Britain’s military was more than five times larger than the United States military. This made the United States leaders look around and realize that they had to do something to be the world leader.

In the late 1800’s the European Empire was making great strides to expand. As this progressed, the United States began to take notice. Many Americans changed their views on expansionism. As time progressed, the United States became very dependent on foreign products, like petroleum. They realized they must stay competitive with Europe. Not only that, but they must also be able to stand on their own to prevent a take-over by Europe. The change in American attitudes, helped promote a new foreign policy.

As the Americans became more assertive on a global role, the rest of the world began to take notice. When the US got involved with Hawaii, it later became a state. The United States saw it as a smart move to secure that port for the Navy. Many Hawaiians believed their island would be taken over with Western Rule. The United States intervention helped eliminate that worry.

The United States later got involved in the Cuban conflict to help Cubans regain independence from Spanish Rule. In doing so the United States passed the Teller Amendment. This stated that the US would intervene but not to control Cuba. It was doing so to help the Cubans. This was unheard of to date. The British were opposed to such actions. The US later overturned the Spanish rule and allowed Cuba to go back to its own military rule. This is how the US foreign policy is still shaped today. We as a nation intervene when...