U.S. Imperialism in the Late 19th and Early 20th Century

Economic Growth and Trade

• Late $19^{th}$ to early $20^{th}$ century: U.S. growth relied on exports and global trade.
• Intervention secured investments and trade freedom abroad.

Definition of Imperialism

• Control of a weaker nation by a stronger one.
• U.S. focused on extending power into the Caribbean, South Pacific, and South America.

Reasons for U.S. Imperialism

• Industrialization: New demand for raw materials and export markets.
• Frontier Closure: With the domestic frontier closed by $1890$, expansion shifted overseas.
• Nationalism: Pursuit of global prestige and national pride.
• Global Competition: Emulating European empires (e.g., Britain, France) and their naval power.