Turner, Mahan, and the Roots of Empire

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) American Foreign Policy 1890-1914 Turner, Mahan, and the Roots of Empire The United States government did not take any notable initiative in international affairs during the Reconstruction era. Although American missionaries preached as far afield as China, India, the Korean Peninsula, and Africa, the majority of the nation's resources were devoted to restoration efforts. The country's focus remained on Western expansion and the idea of Manifest Destiny. But as the century drew to an end, the United States began to seek beyond of its borders due to a number of reasons, including the closure of the American frontier and rising industrial productivity. The United States did not want to fall behind while nations in Europe used commerce and worldwide dominance to expand their empires. American foreign policy underwent a dramatic change between 1890 and 1914 as a result of the influence of individuals such as Alfred Thayer Mahan and Frederick Jackson Turner, whose theories served as the foundation for the country's imperial aspirations. The United States gave little thought to foreign matters throughout the Civil War era and the Reconstruction era that followed, concentrating instead on home concerns. Although American missionaries traveled as far afield as China, India, Korea, and Africa, the majority of the country's resources were focused on repairing and bringing the split country back together. But as the 19th century came to an end, a number of events forced a reassessment of America's place in the globe. The closing of the American frontier was one of these factors. Due to the widespread settlement in the western regions, the conventional means of growth and prospects were no longer accessible. This change compelled Americans to go outside of their country for fresh opportunities for development and impact. In addition, the US's quick industrialization stoked a quest for untapped resources and markets. The surge in industrial production resulted in an excess of items that had to be sold overseas. American leaders understood the need of gaining access to important resources and international markets in order to guarantee sustained economic growth. The United States also understood very well the dynamics of global power that were at work. Through commerce and colonialism, European countries—especially Germany and Britain—were vigorously growing their empires. For American policymakers, the threat of lagging behind these colonial nations loomed great. They believed that the United States would lose out in the competition for world supremacy if it did not make an effort to establish itself internationally. Policymakers therefore increasingly agreed that the US needed to take a more strong and proactive stance in international affairs. The beliefs of academics and intellectuals who supported a broader understanding of American power and influence had an impact on this mentality change. In his influential book "The Significance of the Frontier in American History," Frederick Jackson Turner made the case that the frontier experience had a significant role in forming the national character and identity of the country. Turner suggested that America's destiny rested in its global growth after the frontier was closed. Alfred Thayer Mahan, a naval strategist, similarly stressed the need of maritime power in preserving national grandeur. Policymakers were receptive to Mahan's theories because they believed that building a powerful fleet was crucial to safeguarding American interests overseas. In summary, a confluence of ideological, geopolitical, and economic considerations led to a radical shift in American foreign policy between 1890 and 1914. There was a renewed feeling of urgency and ambition in American international relations as a result of the closing of the border, the emergence of industry, and the threat of European empire. The United States started to establish itself as a worldwide force under the influence of people like Turner and Mahan, which helped to prepare the way for its ultimate rise to prominence in international affairs.