United States Emergence as a World Power

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In the late 19th century, the United States flourished rapidly as a new world power and maintained the most productive economy in the world. Though initially opposed to the idea of expansionism because it seemed inconsistent with American morals and values, interest slowly sparked as all other world powers kept colonial holdings. Eager to prove its newfound authority, the United States panicked as other countries began building their vast empires across Asia and Africa, dominating and controlling the unharnessed resources present. A change occurred—the United States started building up its army and navy and its policy makers took a more aggressive and assertive stance. Tensions began to arise in international relations over territorial disputes and paltry disagreements, and the United States seemed almost too anxious to start a war. When the USS Maine exploded in Havana, Cuba, the already increasing strains between Spain and the United States instantly turned hostile; thus, igniting the Spanish American War. Because the Spanish American War holds much significance, the war proved completely necessary as it was fueled by the buildup of events and lack of alternatives present that solidified the milestone of the United States’ emergence as a world power. Prior to the Spanish American War, the United States often entangled themselves with other countries, making it seem as if it was eager to start conflicts. In the winter of 1888 and 1889, strains between Great Britain, Germany, and the United States increased as they debated over coaling stations in Samoa (Musicant 14). When Germany became the to take action toward annexation, President Cleveland sent out three warships to protect the island, and Congress discussed the potential a... ... middle of paper ... ...h of the Spanish American War ended in the fall of one world power and the rise of another. The United States fought campaigns with the Spanish in the Pacific Theater consisting of the Philippines and Guam in addition to the Caribbean Theater of Cuba and Puerto Rico (Musicant 58). After short four month war, the Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, 1898, which declared the Cuba’s independence, yielded Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States and allowed the United States to buy the Philippines (“The World of 1898: The Spanish-American War”). Spain lost the last of its colonial holdings to the United States in the form of its territories. It ended Spain’s colonial empire and marked the end of its reign in the Americas. The United States on the other hand was beginning to resemble the other world powers as it finally had colonies outside of the nation.

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