As the role of the United States grew globally in the late 19th century into the early 20th century, many motivating factors caused this growth. Americans looked to other lands and saw hope in potential territory gains and economic prosperity, but the main reason was two-sided in assisting other nations for humanitarian and Social Darwinist purposes.
Americans' worth of freedom and democracy were trailblazing when a new government was established in 1776. Since then, many other nations looked up to the United States and its values and sought to copy them. After expanding westward and achieving manifest destiny, America was ready to be a powerhouse around the world.
In the search for land, the nation first turned within its hemisphere to Russian-controlled Alaska. Although many were opposed to gaining territory, calling it “Walrussia” and naming the quest “Seward's Folly”, the U.S. gained Alaska from the Russians in exchange for gold (Document 1). This shows evidence of The United States' push for more land.
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Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan contrasts America’s foreign drive with the “wealth and greatness” that Great Britain got through trade. The United States was quickly becoming a power in manufacturing and production due to its industrialization and abundant resources. Expanding the market and trading with other foreign nations ameliorate the economy (Document 3).
Although imperialism provided territorial and economic benefits, the ideology of assisting countries in need, was a problem of imperialistic motives. In a Message to Congress in 1904, President Roosevelt denied any land famine as an objective but instead expanded upon building friendships with other nations and making mutual stability and prospering. Expanding friendships with other nations is important for the safety of the United States and for making the citizens of the U.S. gratified.
This humanitarian target took another turn among many of the people of the United States to Social Darwinism. Social Darwinism is the ideology that stronger nations and cultures are required to dominate other “inferior” cultures. The United States sent school teachers to the Philippines to improve their education and consequently, improve their society and Westernize. The Filipinos denied this unwelcome intervention because they thought it was disrespectful.
In conclusion, economic success and land gains were the motivations for America’s expanding role at the international level. However, providing other nations with assistance seemed to be the biggest push factor.
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