Question

Discuss the goals of American businessmen in their U.S. Imperial Acquisitions during the late 19th and early 20th century. How were the native people negatively affected by imperialism with results that still exist in the 21st century?

Answer 1

By the late 19th century, the U.S. was steadily drawn toward imperialism. Imperialism is when one nation's control and influence extends beyond its own borders. This can be accomplished by means of diplomacy, economic influence, and military force. Many European powers gathered numerous overseas territories during the late 1800s. There were many in the U.S. who felt their nation should do likewise.

One major reason America became an imperial power at this time is because of economic prosperity. The country had developed its industrial sector rapidly and successfully throughout the 19th Century. This gave the country the necessary resources and capital to extend its power overseas. The desire for resources to feed these industries, as well as foreign markets for American consumer goods, also encouraged many to make the USA a global imperial power.

Revolts against Spanish rule had been endemic in Cuba for decades, and were watched closely by Americans. With the abolition of slavery in 1886, the ranks of farmers and the urban working class were joined by former slaves, many wealthy Cubans lost their property and the number of sugar mills decreased. Only businesses and the most powerful plantation owners remained in business, and US financial capital began to flow into the country during this period. Although it remained politically Spanish territory, Cuba began economically dependent on the United States. Coincidentally, Cuba saw the rise of the labor movements around the same time.