How Did The United States Become Imperialism In The Late 19th Century

During the 19th century, the United States was in the middle of conquering territory and. During the late 19th century, the United States began to become an imperialist power. It extended its power through diplomacy and military force. Many people have said imperialism is wrong, unjust, hostile and so on. Even though people oppose it, imperialism was a legitimate policy for the United States to follow in the 19th and 20th centuries. This is proven by our growing production at that time, Cuba allowing the United States to intervene them, and by helping countries become free

To begin, imperialism was happening all over the world. Countries were in pursuit of control of other areas. With this, nations began securing raw materials and new export markets. “The Growing production of the country… An increasing volume of public sentiment … the position of the United States, between two Old Worlds and two great oceans,”(Document 2). United States industry was increasing and our economy was growing. Also, if the United States becomes an imperialist power than other countries would not attack the U.S. and its allies.

People had the belief that if the U.S. becomes an imperialist power, then congress would govern those other regions, “without their consent and against their will,” (Document 4). This belief would lead
Senator George F. Hoar was “under the Declaration of Independence you cannot govern a foreign territory,”(Document 4). Hoar believed the U.S. would govern other countries because they are not U.S. citizens. This is proven wrong by Henry Cabot Lodge when he says that taking other countries, “does not violate the principles of the Declaration of Independence,” (Document 5). Instead this will spread liberty throughout the these countries and and these countries will never want to “leave the shelter of the American flag” (Document 5). All countries imperialized by the U.S. will love the tactics the U.S.