Question

describe two reasons why the united states wanted to expand its influence in other parts of the world during the late 1800's and early 1900's

Answer 1

Two major reasons:

- Economic interests: Rapid industrialization produced more goods and required raw materials, so American businesses and politicians sought new markets, sources of raw materials, and places to invest capital. This motive drove policies like the Open Door Policy toward China to keep trade open, the economic backing for annexing Hawaii (sugar plantations), and support for acquiring territories after the Spanish‑American War (Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam) to secure commercial opportunities.

- Strategic/military concerns (and national prestige): Influential thinkers like Alfred Thayer Mahan argued that a strong navy and overseas bases were essential for great‑power status, protecting trade routes and projecting power. The U.S. sought coaling stations and naval bases (Hawaii, Guam), built the Panama Canal to shorten naval and commercial routes, and asserted regional authority (Roosevelt’s Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine) to compete with European empires and increase American influence.