U.S Expansion to Imperialism
1.
The roots of Imperialism- The US had a long-established
tradition of expansion across the continent. Through
purchase, negotiation, or conquest, the vast Louisiana
Territory, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, California, &
Oregon had become US territory [killing & placing
thousands of Native Americans in reservations in the
process] by the 1890’s. -from The American Journey Vol.2, 4th edition
Westward Expansion
The appeal of profits to be earned from the China trade served as
the initial impetus to motivate U.S. citizens and officials to enter
into the Pacific region. China was the source of some of the
world’s most sought after commodities—tea, porcelain, and
silk—and Western merchants had sought access to this highly
lucrative trade since at least the 17th century. -https://history.state.gov/mile-
2.
stones/1830-1860/pacific-expansion
Into the Pacific
Having expanded to the continental west coast and eventually extending its
influence and domain into the Asia Pacific region by the close of the 19th
century, the US became interested in the Caribbean and Central American
Region for various reason. After Central American indepedence in the 1920’s
to 40’s, though the region did not hold rich gold + silver mines like that of
South America & Mexico, the region’s potentional was in its vast expanse of
fertile land and people as a labour force. However, the greatest interest in
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Central America & the Caribbean for the US was in its ideal location
to control shipping in the Pacific + Atlantic Ocean.
The Caribbean + Central America
In the two decades after the Spanish-American War, the US intervened
militarily in Latin America no fewer than 20 times to promote its own
strategic & economic interest. Policymakers believed that these goals
required restricting the influence of European nations in the region,
building an isthmian canal under American control, and establishing
the order thought necessary for American trade & investments to
expand. Intervention at times achieved these goals, but it ingored the
wishes & interests of Latin Americans, provoked resistance & disorder,
& aroused lasting ill will. from The American Journey Vol.2, 4th edition
Western Hemisphere
Even though the US had began intervening in other countries’ affairs from
the 19th century, it wasn’t until the end of the second world war that the US
emerged truly as a ‘world power’. Because most of the fighting took place
in Europe & Asia, not only did these nations emerge economically weak,
but their infrastructure were also severely destroyed. Not only did the US
not experience the type of destruction, but they now had acquired new
posessions across Europe, & Asia. Immediately following the second world
war marks the begining of the ‘Cold War’, in which communism now
threatens US economic influence.
[WWll]- Global World Power
Manifest Destiny
Term for the attitude prevalent during the 19th
century period of American expansion that the
United States not only could, but was destined
to, stretch from coast to coast. This attitude
helped fuel western settlement, Native American
removal and war with Mexico.