Motivations Behind American Imperialism

In the late 19th century, the United States began to assert itself as a global power, adopting policies that reflected imperialist goals. A key aspect of this era was the acquisition of various territories, often against the will of the local populations. One of the significant events of American imperialism during this period was the acquisition of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War in 1898. This acquisition prompted debates over the morality and legality of imperialism, as well as the motivations behind it.

Which of the following best describes a motivation for the United States' imperialistic actions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?