Expansionism 2
During the late 1800's and early 1900's, the United States of America went through a period of expansion. With thoughts of being the superior race, Americans wanted to become the model country, and have all others follow in their ways. Several ripe and fertile areas of the world became their foreign targets. Latin America, the Philippines, the Panama Canal, and sections of Asia were areas much desired by Americans. Transcontinental Trade with Asia, Japan, China and so forth was also desired for the advancement of America. Prosperous trading posts and harbors meant more power and wealth for America. As long as America kept advancing and setting new goals, they were on the right track for making a successful country. Starting in the late 1800's and ending in the beginning of the 1900's, America worked to expand itself. Through trade, being a role model and by taking charge in foreign affairs, America was able to advance, as well as expand in size, and stature. Starting in 1867, America physically added onto its size. The Secretary of State, at the time William Seward, bought Alaska from Russia. This then lead to the purchase of a coaling station in Hawaii, and paved the way for commercial trade with Korea
Lastly, the major goal of the United States was the Philippines and Asia. The Philippines consisted of many small islands, useful for harbors and ports. America, given the opportunity to take over these islands, had to decide whether or not it was worth the effort and the money. Several countries meticulously watched the Americans, but the Americans were not sure if the Philippines were the right place. With an extra urge from McKinley, the Americans decided it was worth it to attempt to control the Philippines. For $20 million, America bought the 7,000 islands from Spain. The annexation came only after many debates in the Senate, and after many heated arguments over disloyal politics. Taken from the Platform of the American Anti-imperialist League, 1899, it was stated that: Another example of expansion in Central America was Cuba. Through the Platt Amendment and the Monroe Doctrine, Americans felt expansion in Cuba would highly benefit America. Theodore Roosevelt once expressed his thoughts on this form of expansionism. Knox knew America was expanding in a positive way. They were becoming continually advanced. This, in turn, would benefit the world, through example as well as more expansion. Roosevelt, and his fellow Americans, felt that they were part of the superior race. As long as the minds of the people were full of thoughts of expansion, no other country was well off without their help. Cuba, in their thoughts, was not capable of running their country themselves. The United States, in these cases, would serve as the role model country they wished to be, and would help the country to advance. Although America w
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Approximate Word count = 1112
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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