Causes Of American Imperialism

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Recommended: Social Darwinism in relation to imperialism

Imperialism for the United States was a time when the country desired to conquer territories and create an “American Empire”. The United States was influenced by many factors as to why imperialism was important. Some factors involved war and the spread of Christianity. There were also different ways the United States acquired the new territories desired. Some ways they were acquired were by war, treaties and payment agreements. The United States in relation to imperialism had some consequences for their conquests. These consequences also involved nations such as Latin America and Europe. The United States was motivated to use imperialism by many factors. After the Civil War the United States was into isolationism and desired to be left alone Most of the races that were considered inferior were those of Indian or African descent (David Shi 667). This idea of imperialism showed a promise of superiority among the superior races. Superiority were supported by researchers as they included things such as bone structure and size to determine being superior or inferior to another. Social Darwinism also was a convincing factor for the United States. The Prominent Americans were convinced that among nations and individuals, only the ones that are stronger would survive (David Shi 667). This also supported the idea that if the United States could conquer other territories it would be the The United States gained more territory from the War of 1898. The war initially started with the United States trying to prevent involvement with the Cuban war while maintaining business interests (David Shi 671). The United States officially supported the Cuban Rebels in the war to which unsettled congress. Then the U.S Battleship “Maine” exploded in the Havana Harbor (David Shi 671). There was talk of going to war with Spain. Some Americans at that time were already eager to go to war with Spain and took no time in contemplating who was responsible for the “Maine” explosion. President McKinley was not convinced it was on purpose and refused to declare war (David Shi 671). After the sinking of the “Maine” the Spanish government responded by agreeing to everything the United States requested in terms of taking over Cuba (David Shi 671). Unfortunately, in the eyes of the American society, Spain was still responsible and Roosevelt who was the assistant secretary to the navy along with a Senator named Henry Cabot Lodge took it upon themselves to break down the neutrality that McKinley had created (David Shi 675). Congress after the influence of the American people pulled out Spanish forces and declared Cuba as independent. After the declaration Cuba pulled ties from the United States and Declared War. Near the end of a 114 day war the United States had Spanish navy trapped at Santiago (David

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