In: Economics
What was the rationale for American imperial expansion in the 1890s? Were the military conflicts in the Caribbean and Pacific a natural extension of domestic westward expansion? Why or why not? (Consider “manifest destiny,” Mahan’s “Sea Power Thesis” and Kipling’s “White Man’s Burden”)
Answer: late 19th century is famously regarded as an Age of Imperialism because during this time world's major colonial powers as well as U.S started expansion of territorial reach in the different parts of the world.
America's cultural, social and military influence internationally represents its Imperial influenece.
The rational behind American imperialism in 1890s was largely based of certain ideas:
American Exceptionalism term was originally found its connotation in Kipling's "white man's burden " and in the words of French observer Alexis de Tocqueville who said that U.S. is a unique nation once it would proceed on this path there would be no limitations.
American Imperialism rooted in theory of Americam Exceptionalism which says thatAmerica is different from other countries due to its specific world mission to spread liberty and democracy.
Another idea that supports its expansion is Social Darwinism which means conflicts among social groups leads to social progress.
Now come to the second part of the question: conflicts in the pacific and Caribbean were the resultant of both natural extension of domestic westward expansion as well as America's focus on its future national security which includes both economic as well as militarily security.
This idea of expansion largely based on the ideas of political and defence thinkers named as 1.J.Turner's Frontier theory-in this he said American democracy was maily shaped by the American frontiers.And America has alot energy and has too much to give to the world gence tgis energy will continue to demand wide field foe its exercise.
2.Naval strategist A.T. Mahan sufgested three strategies to PROTECT AND MAINTAIN USA' interests in future.one was Strong Navy , second was Presence of strong Naval bases all around the world and that too at strategically important regions like Caribbean and Pacific areas.third was construction of a canal across the isthmus of Central America to save the time, energy and power while moving Navy from Caribbean and Atlantic to Pacific ocean.
Hence We can see that conflicts conflicts in the Caribbean and Pacific was combination of both a natural extension of domestic westward expansion as well as strategy to save its nariona security and process to become a strong power on the world.
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