What motivated U.S. Expansionism during the late 19th century?

U.S. expansionism in the late 19th century was significantly motivated by the desire to build an empire and assert dominance, particularly illustrated through the actions taken during the Spanish-American War. This conflict marked a pivotal moment for the United States, demonstrating its military strength and willingness to intervene in global affairs. The acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines after the war reflected not only a strategic move to enhance U.S. influence in the Caribbean and Pacific but also represented a broader ambition to compete with European powers that were similarly engaged in imperial activities. This pursuit of empire was fueled by a belief in American exceptionalism and the idea that the U.S. had a responsibility to spread its values and way of life to other nations.

The other motivations, such as promoting democracy globally or responding to domestic economic conditions, while they may have played a role in the broader context of American attitudes during this period, do not capture the primary impetus behind the assertive military and imperial actions that characterize the late 19th century. Additionally, the focus on alliances with European powers did not define U.S. foreign policy at this stage, as the U.S. was increasingly positioning itself as a separate and powerful player on the world stage rather than