Expansionism

Definition of expansionism:

The doctrine of expanding the territory or the economic influence of a country.

Throughout the late 19th century the US expanded in territory, especially by taking land and islands in the Pacific Ocean. Precise information to that later.

Reasons for expansionism

Major reasons for expansionism:
- Military needs
- Economic interests
- Ideology (Social darwinism)
- Scramble for territory

The most important reason why the United States wanted to imperialize in the 1890s was for economic benefits. This is the most significant reason for their aggressive policy of expansion with political, economic, and military control as major objectives. Huge natural resources and good climatic conditions or good strategic layer for wars were some causes too.

The overseas territories were teeming with a cheap labor force, this would allow American goods to be made at a decreased cost. Finally, these foreign lands were loaded with raw materials that could easily be used in American manufacturing.

Nationalism also contributed to the outbreak of imperialism in America. The attitude, "we're as good as European nations" was amplified more than ever. The Monroe Doctrine prohibited European nations to interfere in the Western hemisphere, but it did not prevent Americans to expand the frontiers and conquer other countries / islands.
With the belief, the anglo-saxon culture had the right to expand, and they were superior to all other nations, they started the expansion. Social darwinism, ethnocentrism and racial supremacy also played an important role. The Americans believed that the United States was the strongest of nations, and that they could take any land they pleased.


Cartoon of the American expansionism

"Added areas"

- Alaska (1867)
- Midway Islands (1867)
- Philippines (1898)
- Puerto Rico (1898)
- Guam (1898)
- Hawaii (1898)
- Cuba (1902)
- Panama (1903)

As America sought to grow, America also sought to protect its overseas territories, and, more importantly, its existing territories. By acquiring Alaska, the Alleutian Islands, Midway Island, Hawaii, Guam, and Samoa, the perimeter of America extended. This issue of national security as a root for imperialism was mentioned in Henry Cabot Lodge's "Our Blundering Foreign Policy."
The extensions were often based on violence and oppression. They saw themselves as only "helping" those who they took under their power. President Roosevelt thus stated this in his Annual Message to Congress of 1904, where he says, "All that this country desires is to see the neighboring countries stable, orderly, and prosperous." but de facto, they had the goals described in the "Major reasons for expansionism" article. With the addition of these areas to the American empire, the U.S. took on the self ordained title of "Rulers of the Western Hemisphere."