Compare And Contrast Imperialism And Manifest Destiny

In 1898, America was beginning to expand its horizons. But unlike Manifest Destiny over a half century before, they were now seeking out overseas lands. Realizing the great increase in the cost of exports, America was put in a compromising position. With a booming increase in wealth and industrialism, the nation was prepared to take on new challenges outside of its boundaries. Other elements also stimulated the imperialist attitude. The “yellow press” and missionaries made the behavior glorified and reinforced the sentiments of aggressively undertaking new challenges. These actions were similar to those of the Manifest Destiny era. During that era, America was under divine guidance to control the North American continent from coast to coast.
Manifest Destiny had economic implications that would make America a stronger industrial force. When gold was discovered in California thousands rushed to the area to find gold, and during imperialism, America rushed to other countries to find their natural resources. In Cuba for example, the vast sugar cane plantations could be used by America for their own profit. In the Pacific, these islands, such as the Philippines, opened up Asian trade, a vast area that America could now sell and buy products from without much of a hassle, being that the islands were so close to the continent. Both Manifest Destiny and imperialism broadened America’s economy and provided for economic growth for the future. Manifest Destiny can be said to be responsible for the industrial boom that occurred later in the century, for as a result of moving westward the railroads were built and were in turn the focal point of the nations economy in times to come. As for imperialism, a new market for trade was established in the Far East that America had previously been denied of for the incredibly high price that such a trade would yield. America also needed this market in order to protect themselves for falling behind in the global arena. Germany and France were quickly advancing their industrial growth worldwide and America had catching up to do, as a result of the Civil War and
Fifty years earlier, the nation was still attempting to control the lands surrounding its boundaries. But by the turn of the century, they were prepared to reveal their dominance as a world power. No longer were they boys fighting amongst men. Having control over native lands, America sought out new endeavors. Creating a new empire, just as world powers had done before. America established itself by traveling abroad and successfully overtaking their enemy. But more importantly than the successes on the battlefield, were the new changes made to the policy of the nation’s government and the military. Among them were the Root reforms, which orchestrated a newly structured military that would be prepared to continue America’s expansion efforts. The imperialistic actions at the turn of the 20th century revealed similar circumstances to Manifest Destiny, but it illustrated the new prowess of America and its