Question

In the late 1800s, why did many Americans object to overseas expansion?

They wanted to form strong political alliances with Europe instead.
They worried it would cause an economic depression in the U.S.
They thought the nation's military was too small for the task.
They believed it violated the American ideal of self-government.

Answer 1

They believed it violated the American ideal of self-government — many anti-imperialists argued that taking colonies and ruling over peoples without their consent contradicted the Republic’s founding principles.